About
Sheryl's BreastFest, Inc. is now in its 9th year, this charitable event
has already donated more than $67,000 to several families.
Please plan to spend a special day, May 11th, 2024
celebrating this year's beneficiary at
Sheryl's BreastFest.
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Sheryl’s BreastFest was born out of love. In 2016, Sheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer and her friends, some of them musicians, wanted to cheer her up by playing her favorite music for her. Plans for a live concert quickly grew to a party and then a small ‘festival’ which made a leap to a fundraiser. By the date of the event in May, there were five bands scheduled, raffles, food, support from the Lakeland Elks Lodge and so much more. As one might imagine, the love and joy was a blessing as was the nearly $4,000 raised to help with the expenses Sheryl and her family incurred in just that first year.
Cancer free in 2017, Sheryl knew that she and her family and friends wanted to keep the music and the love going for others. So, the BreastFest hosted the second event on the same weekend, (the Saturday immediately before Mother’s Day). That year, a new beneficiary was chosen, and money was raised for that person with more music, food, and raffles. And so, it has gone on every year since. Although unable to have a physical ‘fest’ due to the pandemic, the foundation has raised thousands to support 2020’s beneficiaries despite this challenge.
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So far, ten cancer patients have benefited, and the organization has donated approximately $67,000. Now a registered 501c3 non-profit, Sheryl’s BreastFest has become a recognized local entity with the support of Lakeland, Polk, and Florida business partners year after year.
A Cure Worth Fighting For.
Our Mission
Cancer doesn't only affect the individual; it impacts the entire family. Our mission is to support a family who is tragically experiencing financial hardship while a family member is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Our Festival
The 2024 Sheryl's 9th Annual BreastFest will be held on May the 11th Sponsored By The Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 located in Lakeland, Florida. This Fundraiser is FREE to Attend from 11am - 9pm and will Feature a Day Full of Live Music on Two Stages (outside and inside), Food Trucks, Fellowship, Drink Specials, Kids Activities, Silent Auction Baskets, Raffles and Games of Chance.
Core Values
Our Core Values are:
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Compassion
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Respect
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Courage
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Integrity
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Optimism
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Quality
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Transparency
Diversity
Sheryl's BreastFest is committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable where all partners, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity. For the purposes of this statement, diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability and socio-economic status; Inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization; Equity is a process that ensures all people have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities. We are an organization that celebrates the rich diversity of the Central Florida metropolitan region. We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind. Regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status, we are an organization that celebrates the richness of our community. As an organization and Board of Directors, we agree to be guided by these principles and pledge that they will be reflected in our vision, mission, strategic planning, programming, governance, and board composition. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our board members, vendors, partners, and programs we develop and support.
Meet The Board
Sheryl Gentry - Executive Director
Cindy Green - President
Melissa Chambers - Vice President
Becky Lane - Volunteer Coordinator
Carol Trudell - Event Coordinator
Jasmine Bell - Event Coordinator
Kim Birmingham - Event Coordinator / 2021 Event Recipient
Kim McGowan - Volunteer Coordinator
Richard Saxton - Safety Coordinator
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