Cathy Varunok (left) takes instruction from Felicia Hodges in the art of board-breaking; Ms. Hodges presents a check to Ms. Varunok

Cathy Varunok, Co-Founder of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, and Pari Forood, Executive Director accept a donation from Felicia Hodges, Editor of the Tri-County Woman On-Line magazine.

The Break-a-thon was open to all ages and participants ranged from expert to novice.

“When we came over to thank Felicia and pick up the check, she gave us the opportunity to break a board,” explained Ms. Varunok. “Naturally we had to give it a try and now Pari and I can’t wait to do it again.”

“People from throughout the 8 counties of the Hudson Valley approach us and ask what kind of fundraiser they can do for us and I always say ‘use your imagination!’” explained Ms. Forood.

“In 2009, we received donations from: a Spin-a-thon at Spinning Classes at a northern Westchester fitness club, Manicures and Pedicures for Hope in Millbrook, and the sale of a calendar by the group Bosom Buddies, survivors who posed topless for the calendar to show that women, post surgery can still be proud of their bodies. Aside from our annual events, we received donations from salons, high school honor societies, girl scout troops, Dragon Boat races in Peekskill, Dance/Exercise programs in Poughkeepsie, and a Fashion Show with survivors as models at the Galleria.”

“People play soccer, basketball, softball, run, sing and dance to raise money for us and we are thrilled and very very grateful,” Ms. Varunok said.

L-R standing: Steve Smith, Mary Schanz, Mabel McGowan (calendar photographer), Amanda Holt, Cathy Varunok (Miles of Hope Co-Founder), Tim Massie, Kathryn Holt, Dana Effron (Miles of Hope Co-Founder) seated: Dr. Jed Turk, Pari Forood (Exec. Dir. Miles of Hope), Lisa Arnoff

Some of the members of the Board of Directors of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation pose with the creator of the Bosom Buddies Calendar Kathryn Holt, to accept a check from calendar proceeds.

Ms. Holt, and 11 of her friends decided to make a calendar to honor and remember their friends, colleagues and family who have had breast cancer and to raise money for Miles of Hope.

Read more about the calendar.

Adams Fairacre Farms staff in front of the poinsettia display.

Adams Fairacre Farms staff stands in front of the pointsettia display in the Green House with Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Co-Founders Dana Effron and Cathy Varunok after presenting the foundation with a check for $2400 for the pin up program Adams ran during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The pin up program allowed customers to make a donation to breast cancer support programs funded by Miles of Hope in the 8 counties of the Hudson Valley. Adams also accepts donations to Miles of Hope in their Gift shop; for a $40 donation to the foundation, a donor receives a crystal beaded bracelet.

MOH Co-Founder Cathy Varunok, Dazzles Salon Owner Rosemarie Haines, MOH Exec Director Pari Forood

Dazzle’s Salon, Route 9, Fishkill, presents Cathy Varunok, Co-Founder, Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation with a check for $450 which they collected from donations and in-store promotions during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month. They are standing in front of a breast cancer/Miles of Hope display created by the store.

From left to right: Dazzles Salon Stylists: Danny Lowney, Kristiana Tutulli, Flora Saverino, Rosemarie Haines (owner of Dazzles), Dawn Kane, Holly Schneeberger and Michelle Gewat