BreastFest

Volunteer of the Year: Karen Bird

My name is Karen Bird and I have been associated with BreastFest for 6 years.  I first heard about BreastFest when working with Judy at Buffalo Wild Wings and was so impressed with her personal story and with what she and Jim were doing to help other people to recover from this horrible disease.  I knew then that I wanted to join them in this battle against Breast Cancer.

I first started helping by pitching in and doing whatever needed to be done prior to the start of the event and during the event.  This included selling raffle tickets, setting up tables the morning of the event, getting the Wi Fi set up for the silent auction, and running to get items for people during the silent auction check out process.  Over the last couple of years, I have been responsible for the live auction process, managing the front desk, and ensuring we had Wi Fi set up for the silent auction.  

I love this event. I love to see the people returning each year and bringing friends and family.  I love the excitement of the silent auction and the bidding wars that go on.  And I especially love the survivor’s ceremony that is held at the end of the day each year.  Each year is different.  Each year is unique.   Each year shares the same message; we care about each of you and especially those of you who are suffered through the pain and mental agony of this dreadful disease and we celebrate your recovery and your renewed life.

While 2020 has been a year that none of us ever expected, I am excited by the opportunity to expand this year’s BreastFest event in ways we may never have considered in the past.  Due to Covid-19 we are virtualizing the entire event, and this will allow us to reach many more people than we have in the past.   So very fitting for the tenth anniversary of BreastFest!