Girls Night Out readies for party
Group expects 1,000 for annual Little Black Dress fundraising event
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Girls Night Out Altoona Inc. is gearing up for its largest fundraising event of the year on Wednesday Oct. 25, with its annual Little Black Dress Party.
This year, over 1,000 attendees will gather at the Blair County Convention Center for a night of education, empowerment and fundraising.
Girls Night Out began as a small "pay it forward" project by Cambria County resident Taunia Oechslin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 and succumbed to the disease in 2009 at the age of 39. It was her goal to educate people about breast cancer, understanding the value of early detection and helping aid in proper treatments.
Girls Night Out Altoona is a volunteer group of 22 committee members who developed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
"Our goal was to cut out expenses that many national nonprofits have. We want our money to go where it is needed most and can make the most impact on patients who need services," said Juls Bratton, GNOA chair.
GNOA awarded money last year to: the Windber Health Care Foundation for the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center for its mammogram voucher program, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for cancer research projects, Penn Highlands Tyrone for its mammogram voucher program, UPMC Altoona Magee's Women's Specialty Center and the Bob Perks Fund to help with household bills during treatment.