Day Kimball Health (DKH) and the Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation announced that $50,000 has been raised for the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH through a series of fundraising events in 2024. These vital funds ensure that individuals in the community have access to essential cancer-related screenings and treatment services, regardless of financial circumstances.

The 2024 fundraising events included the following:

• Guest Bartender Night: Held on March 21 at Marley’s Pub at the Black Dog Bar & Grille in Putnam, CT, this community-driven event raised $16,000 in tips. Eight dynamic teams from DKH and its community partners, including bankHometown, Gates Auto Group, SPIROL International, and the Putnam and Killingly Business Associations, participated in the event.
• Beer, Wine & Spirits Tasting: Hosted by Evergreen Farms in Dayville, CT, and in partnership with Pomfret Wine & Spirits, this event raised $17,500. Guests enjoyed tastings from over 23 wineries, breweries, and distributors, as well as catering by Matthews Catering and entertainment by Tony Garcia.
• Cruisin’ for Cancer Care Cruise, BBQ & Brew: This motorcycle and car cruise, hosted by Thompson Speedway and the Thompson Raceway Restaurant in Thompson, CT, raised $18,500. Over 225 motorcycle and car enthusiasts participated in laps around the Raceway’s 1.7-mile road course, followed by a scenic cruise through Northeast Connecticut and a barbecue lunch.

“Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of individuals, businesses, organizations, and volunteers who participate in and support our events for the NE CT Cancer Fund, we can continue to carry on the legacy of the Deary family and their commitment to those in our community battling cancer,” said Kristen Willis, director of development, DKH. “No one should have to forgo vital screening or treatment services simply because they can’t afford it. Community support and participation in these events help to make this kind of assistance possible.”

Presenting and major sponsors for this year’s events were WIN Waste Innovations, SPIROL International, Centreville Bank, Thompson Speedway, WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors, Linemaster Switch, Gerardi Insurance Hilb Group, Heritage Valley Auto Group, Rawson Materials, and Sever Pharma Solutions.

Established in 1989 by the Deary family of Putnam, Connecticut, in memory of 23-year-old Cathy Deary, the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH has raised over $1.4 million to date. Originally known as the DKH Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, its mission has remained steadfast: to provide financial assistance for cancer-related screenings and treatments to individuals in Northeast Connecticut who might otherwise be unable to access care.

The fund helps to cover services such as mammography, prostate cancer screening, diagnostic imaging, lab services, chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and medications. In 2015, the fund was renamed to reflect its broader service to the Northeast Connecticut community.

For more information about the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH please visit daykimball.org/nectcancerfund. For more information about the Day Kimball Health Foundation, please visit daykimball.org/foundation. 

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Tara Meinck, Product Manager - Metal Cut Products, SPIROL; Matthew J. Bartlett, Manufacturing Manager, SPIROL; Jackie Bellerive, Director of Informatics and Project Management, Day Kimball Medical Group; Kristen Willis, Director of Development, Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation; Kyle Kramer, CEO, Day Kimball Health; Mike Trudeau, Facilities Technician, Day Kimball Health; Janet Johnson, Development Associate, Day Kimball Health; and Caylee Wolfburg, Development Associate, Day Kimball Health, gathered at the Cruisin’ for Cancer Care Cruise, BBQ & Brew event on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Thompson Raceway Restaurant in Thompson, CT.