ABCD Announces Innovative and Inclusive New Format for Signature ‘Date with a Plate’ Benefit Event

Virtual event to be hosted on organization’s reimagined and rebranded website

For immediate release: July 30, 2020

Milwaukee, WI – ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a Milwaukee-based organization providing one-to-one support services to breast cancer patients and survivors around the world, announced today a new virtual format for the organization’s signature “Date with a Plate” fundraiser, to be hosted online Thursday, Sept. 3, from 7-8 p.m CST. Traditionally held as an in-person gala, the new digital format not only reflects the organization’s commitment to public health in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but presents an opportunity to be more inclusive of the worldwide community of breast cancer patients and survivors that can and do benefit from ABCD’s unique services. It also offers more people an opportunity to support the long-term mission of the organization to provide critical emotional support services to patients and families impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Regardless of what’s going on in the world, breast cancer doesn’t stop. It’s essential that we push forward to ensure our personalized support services reach all of those in need, particularly during this challenging time when communal means of support may be limited,” Ellen Friebert Schupper, Executive Director of ABCD, said. “While many events are going virtual right now, for ABCD this presents a tremendous opportunity for us to connect with a much broader audience who in the past wouldn’t have been able to support us in person. Breast cancer’s impact knows no bounds, nor does it shelter in place, so we’re eager to join together with supporters, survivors and partners near and far and allow them to experience ABCD and the power of our one-to-one support in a whole new way.”

Registration for the Sept. 3 event is now open at ABCDmentor.org/DWP, and is completely free thanks to numerous ABCD sponsors and partners. The live event, a cornerstone of the ongoing fundraising efforts to support ABCD’s free services, will feature a variety of interactive elements, including social media engagement and live news-style broadcast. There will be an online silent auction of unique items and one-of-a-kind experiences provided by ABCD’s community of supporters, as well as opportunities for general donations to support ABCD’s services.

Additionally, the event serves as an opportunity to publicly recognize two individuals who have provided critical support to breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as ABCD’s mission. Carol Cameron will be honored with this year’s Melodie Wilson Oldenburg Visionary Award for her passion and leadership in providing hope and education to patients and families impacted by breast cancer in the Native American community, while Elizabeth “Betsy” Brenner will be named the 2020 Power of One-to-One recipient for her work to help ABCD expand its services both locally and around the world.

Anyone who has been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis or who believes breast cancer patients shouldn’t have to face their diagnosis alone is encouraged to join us for this unique event.  Registration is free but must be done by Wednesday, Sept. 2.

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In conjunction with Date with a Plate registration going live at ABCDmentor.org/DWP, the organization is proud to unveil a completely rebranded and reimagined digital home. The new website is more reflective of ABCD’s customized approach to support, more inclusive for all who could benefit from the organization’s services, more intuitive and user-friendly, and more supportive of ABCD’s fundraising mission.

The updated branding includes a new “kaleidoscope” logo, which reflects the diversity of ABCD’s services and the customized support the organization provides. The new site also incorporates a streamlined navigation system to make for a much more user-friendly experience, making it easier for breast cancer patients, survivors, friends and family to find the support they need. Visitors will also more quickly learn how to get involved, whether through becoming a Mentor, volunteering, or financially supporting ABCD’s mission and long-term sustainability. The site also includes an enhanced stories section, where visitors can learn and be inspired by the individual stories of ABCD’s partners, mentors and staff.

“Our new site is a critical new touchpoint for us as we work to connect with a much broader audience,” Schupper added. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to provide personalized support in an accessible and convenient manner to all who could benefit our from free services. We look forward to sharing our new digital home and having it serve as a welcoming portal to anyone impacted by breast cancer for years to come.”

About ABCD

ABCD provides customized, one-to-one emotional support to anyone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. While we are founded and grounded in Milwaukee, WI, our services are available to anyone in the world. Working as a complement to the medical team and drawing from a pool of more than 300 professionally-trained Mentors, ABCD pairs people who not only share a similar diagnosis and treatment plan, but who also have common interests, personal traits and family dynamics. ABCD’s support services are free and delivered at time of diagnosis, during treatment and into survivorship.

About New Website

ABCD’s new site was expertly created by 2-Story located in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.