Dal-created Breast Cancer fundraiser celebrates 10 years

A Toast to the Coast has raised over $70,000 since 2004.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the fundraiser has raised over $70,000 to date in support of a future without breast cancer.

Taking place in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, A Toast to the Coast is a formal event featuring dinner, live music and auctions with all the proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region.

A Toast to the Coast was envisioned and created by a group of Dalhousie MBA students ten years ago, and continues to be organized by volunteers from the university to this day.

While hosting A Toast to the Coast has become a tradition for the respective year’s MBA and Faculty of Management classes, volunteers often have a personal connection to the cause.

“I decided to volunteer with A Toast to the Coast, not only because it’s a great opportunity, but because breast cancer has touched a number of people in my life,” says Lucy Hulford, a Master of Public Administration student and Co-Chair of Communications for the event.

“A lot of hope and inspiration can be found in events like A Toast to the Coast, and being able to contribute in any way possible is so valuable to me.”

The work of volunteers, donators and sponsors culminated on Oct. 17, when black suits and dresses came out in force to show their support for the cause.

The keynote address was delivered by Debbie Pottie, a breast cancer survivor and member of Bosom Buddies of Nova Scotia, an organization devoted to pro- viding support and care for those affected by breast cancer.

Her address emphasized the importance of strength and support systems involved with fighting breast cancer.

Although the event is only once a year, the idea is to provide a message of support and care that continues long after the event has ended.

“I hope to continue to be part of this in the years to come,” says Jessica MacMillan, a volunteer.