Town Talk

“We make allowances only for the faultless.” — Vauvenargues

FUNDRAISER

PINK! THE annual fundraiser for the MaryEllen

Locher Breast Cancer Center at Memorial, was a huge suc cess, said fundraiser spokeswoman Karen Sloan. The event raised more than $250,000, she said.

“The guests danced the night away,” she said, noting that a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,200 attended the fundraiser held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

“We are truly grateful for the overwhelming community support,” said Jean Payne, director of Memorial’s Foundation. “We exceeded our fundraising goal, thanks in part to Chattem, our presenting sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, NewsChannel 9 and our other generous sponsors. It is amazing to see the passion for Pink! through our many supporters including volunteers, committee members, and the community.”

The previous two Pink! events together raised more than $300,000 to help open the comprehensive MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at Memorial, Ms. Sloan said. “The generosity of our com munity continues to inspire

our board, volunteers, physicians and staff,” said Deb Moore, interim president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System. “Funds raised at Pink! 2008 will help purchase a specially designed, Dedicated Breast MRI for the Breast Center.”

Attendees enjoyed a four-course gourmet meal and a special video presentation highlighting the establishment of the Mary-Ellen Locher Breast Center and future plans for the center, Ms. Sloan said.

Bidding was brisk at the silent auction and the dance floor was hot with performances provided by Band X, an Atlanta-based band known nationally for a captivating party spirit, she said.

The gala was chaired by Virginia Anne and Hugh Sharber. Heidi Robinson, host of Memorial’s Chicken Soup Minute, served as mistress of ceremonies. Other executive planning committee members included Mike Webb, Paula Register, Holly Harwell, Julie Brandao, Lynn Bryant, Amanda Jackson, Karlette Baker, Linda Benton and David Burd.

Among those attending were Zan and Julie Guerry, Mike and Susie Costa, David and Marcia Kling, Deb and Diggie Moore, Sister Eileen Wrobleski, Mayor Ron and Lanis Littlefield, Barry and Alexis Bogo, Fred and Ruth Obear, Ruth Holmberg, Ron Harr and Linda Andre, Brenda and Stan Lawson, and Leo and Barbara Brown. EAR TO THE GROUND

THE UNIVERSITY of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Chattanooga and the chairwoman of the psychology department at the University of Notre Dame will jointly sponsor a lecture on March 27 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, according to Steve Chardos, president.

Dr. Cindy Bergeman of the University of Notre Dame will be the guest speaker.

“Dr. Bergeman’s lecture, ‘Why we are who we are: Genetic and environmental influences on behavior,’ addresses questions of nature versus nurture in psychological development,” Mr. Chardos said.

The talk will be presented on Thursday, March 27, at 3 p.m. in the UTC University Center auditorium. The lecture is open to the public. Additionally, the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club annual dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Notre Dame High School. The Rev. Patrick Gaffney, associate professor, anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will be the featured speaker.

“He will present an update of changes and events at Notre Dame,” Mr. Chardos said. The club is also welcoming new members. If you are interested in joining, contact Fos Goodwin at 238-6875.

“This year’s event is of special significance to our club as we will be receiving an award from our local Habitat for Humanity chapter for our club’s many years of working with them,” Mr. Chardos said.