by Jeannette Bezinque
When eight new women joined my CSA in a week, I suspected a miracle at play. I confirmed my guess when I saw the huge commitment to the community by Unite for Her and their wellness partners at the annual Harvest event. Part gala, part tasting party and a staggering display of generosity all came together to support the members who count on Unite for Her as a wellness resource during their struggles with cancer. The goal of the evening was to raise funds to provide women diagnosed with breast cancer with a compassionate resource for support, knowledge and healing. Last year alone, Unite for Her distributed more than $300,000 through their wellness programs. These funds are largely raised through fundraising efforts like Harvest and their annual 5K.
Unfolding October 23, the Harvest event opened with a VIP cocktail reception in the stunning Phoenixville Foundry. Fortuitous architectural relics of the steel-industry giant juxtapose delicate chandeliers cascading from the ceiling. It is truly a transformed space now that it regularly accommodates formal weddings. Local wineries like Chaddsford Winery, Galer Estate Vineyard and Penns Woods Winery greeted guests with samplings of their best seasonal offerings. Even Manatawny Still Works was on hand with cocktails crafted with their locally distilled spirits. Eco-soda purveyor Sipp satisfied those who wanted a non-alcoholic beverage with varieties like ginger blossom and mojo berry. Victory Brewing Company proudly poured DirtWolf, their popular seasonal favorite.
Opening soon in Edgemont, Crazy Sofa stunned patrons with fresh and zesty sushi tuna tacos. This new restaurant anticipates an official opening November 17, but in the meantime is quickly conducting a stir-worthy soft opening featuring live music and an eclectic menu every night. From fresh and raw to comfort-food staples, the amazing showcase of our area’s best chefs shared a sensational combination of palate pleasers. Not to disappoint, Supper of Philly’s pumpkin cheddar hush puppies and cranberry hot sauce delivered the season’s finest flavors in a savory bite. Pepperoncini took home a well-deserved people’s choice award for their mouth-watering pumpkin ravioli in a decadent brown-butter sage sauce. For the sweet tooth, guests noshed on apple crostatas from Panorama and gelato from D’Ascenzo’s Gelato. Rows and rows of flourless chocolate mini cakes from Cakes and Candies by Maryellen and Dia Doce’s famous cupcakes quickly disappeared.
Many generous sponsors partnered with Founder Sue Weldon of Unite for Her to raise funds for her organization’s work during Wellness Days throughout the year. Local shops like Tish Boutique donated getaways for the silent auction to help others contribute to the evening’s cause. We heard firsthand how this program empowers and affects women in a way that few other organizations can. By connecting directly with patients during Wellness Days at peaceful locations like Terrain, they are able to share myriad ways to improve physical well-being through alternative treatments and therapies that may otherwise be out of reach financially. For example, many participants choose to receive a weekly share of organic vegetables through Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, a gift certificate for acupuncture or a series of yoga classes.
These services are important to women experiencing the trauma of cancer because they afford peace of mind and the confidence to pursue self care. As one brave survivor shared, “When you are in survival mode, wellness is the last thing on your mind”—until an organization like Unite for Her steps in and paves the way.
How you too can help: Attend an event or make a donation directly to Unite for Her at uniteforher.org.
Photo credits: Unite for Her.
