Staff Report
Sales of pink-colored desserts, snacks, treats and drinks at the Chumash Casino Resort generated $6,483 toward the annual Project Pink campaign, which raises funds throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This year’s campaign beneficiary, Mission Hope Cancer Center, which is supported by the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, also received a matching grant from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, bringing the total donation to $12,966.
Photo contributed
Chumash Casino Resort’s eateries will be a big part of the resort’s Project Pink campaign, which kicked off Oct. 1 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The resort’s Food and Beverage Department, which drives the annual Project Pink campaign, eclipsed last year’s donation total despite operating under a limited guest capacity and with closed food outlets due to the Safe + Well measures that have been in place since the Chumash Casino Resort reopened in June.
“Our Food and Beverage team members showed their true dedication to this cause by bringing the same amount of creativity and motivation they’ve had in past campaigns to this challenging year,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “In the face of this global pandemic, they maintained their goal of raising awareness for this important cause and generating valuable funds for Mission Hope Cancer Center, which plays such a critical role in our community.”
The Mission Hope Cancer Center, located in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, features state-of-the art technologies and treatments for cancer care, supportive services, education and preventative care. Its current slate of events and support groups are occurring online or over the phone in order to maintain its resources for patients during the pandemic.
“On behalf of Mission Hope Cancer Center, Marian Regional Medical Center, and the Marian Foundation, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Chumash Casino Resort for their Pink Project Campaign’s meaningful donation of $12,966,” said Jessa Brooks, Vice President of Philanthropy, Marian Regional Medical Center. “Our organization remains tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support for local cancer patients shown by the generosity of the employees of the Chumash Casino Resort and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.”
Robert Dichmann, MD, Medical Director, Marian Cancer Care, noted that the global pandemic has added more layers of concern to patients during their ongoing battles against cancer.
“Now, more than ever, local cancer patients need support as so many are not only dealing with a cancer diagnosis, but they are also encountering the stress of emotional and economic uncertainty,” Dr. Dichmann said. “Fortunately, for cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center, 100 percent of generous community proceeds, like the recent donation from the Chumash Casino Resort, directly support cancer patients and their families in need of financial assistance, in addition to supporting the cancer center’s programs and services, and the acquisition of advanced equipment and technology.”
For more information on the Mission Hope Cancer Center, including how to donate, please visit missionhopecancercenter.com.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.
