“The house of delusions is cheap to build but drafty to live in.”

— A.E. Housman

FUNDRAISER

To raise money for breast cancer education and early detection, the Pampered Chef organization is sponsoring its ninth-annual, month-long campaign, “Help Whip Cancer,” to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

According to Melody Govig, a local independent director for The Pampered Chef (pamperedchef.biz/melodygovig), celebrities Sharon Stone, Courteney Cox Arquette, Faith Hill, Jennifer Garner and Olivia Newton-John have autographed the Pampered Chef limited-edition pink products to be sold at an online auction at pamperedchef.com to support the American Cancer Society. Supporters nationwide can log on to the Web site now through May 31 to bid on limited-edition pink kitchen gloves and pink aprons.

“Almost everyone knows someone — whether it be a mother, wife, sister, daughter or friend — who has been affected by breast cancer,” said Doris Christopher, founder and chairman of The Pampered Chef, in a news release. “The goal of this campaign is not only to spread awareness and promote education surrounding breast cancer. It’s also about supporting women who have been touched by breast cancer and celebrating their extraordinary strength.”

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the United States. Thanks to early detection through mammograms and effective treatment, the five-year survival rate has improved to 98 percent.

Ms. Govig (www.pamperedchef.biz/melodygovig), a local independent director for The Pampered Chef (pamperedchef.com), held a cooking demonstration show recently at the Realty Title office downtown to raise awareness about the campaign.

“With the condition of our economy, families are spending less time eating out and more time eating at home. I have a passion for getting people together for a fun night out and teaching them a new recipe that they can prepare for their own families in less than 30 minutes,” she said.

For more information about Help Whip Cancer, hosting a Fundraiser Cooking Show or purchasing Help Whip Cancer products please call Melody Govig, independent director for The Pampered Chef, at 842-4185 or visit www.pamperedchef.biz/melodygovig.

TOASTS

THE FREEDOMS Foundation held its annual spring luncheon recently at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. The event was to honor students who were chosen to attend the “Spirit of America” leadership conference, said event spokeswoman Jeanne Abbott.

“It was the students who really honored the members and guests with their singing, dancing and speaking about their wonderful memories of their time at Valley Forge and Philadelphia, Pa.,” she said.

Michael Bautista entertained with his violin and spoke to the group about the adventure and the impact it had made on their lives as leaders and individuals, she said.

“Esther Clark, their chaperon and leader, was inspired by the outstanding representation the students gave during the conference,” Ms. Abbott said.

The students were selected to attend based on their essays and interviews, she said. They are Laren Ziemer, Caitlin Grant and Michael Bautista, Silverdale Academy; Adam Roddy, Rhea County High School; Lindsay Boyle, Ridgeland High; Savannah Hague, Grace Academy; William Ramey, Red Bank High; Amellia Hickman and Bethany LaFoe, Central High.

Among those attending the event were LeeAnn Olskey, Dorothy Stone, Betty Parker, Esther Taj, Mary Copeland, Jennette Crawley, Geraldine Charton, David and Eloise David Litz, Estelle Cunningham, Liz Morton, Jim McKinney, Julia Olive, Paul Parker, Harriett Harris, Jon Parker, Josh Taj, Adam Roddy, Gary and Ethany LaFoe, Rita Hickman, Don and Rita Ziemer, Leissa Boyle, Tiffany Ramey, Dan and Joyce Hague and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Grant.