Perdue Foundation Grant Awarded to Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
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Caitlin Dalik, Public Affairs Coordinator |
MILFORD, DE (October 7, 2011) — The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. has been on the front line raising awareness of breast cancer issues in the First State for the past 20 years. On Friday, Oct. 7, the agency received a gift to help further its mission in the form of a $5,000 grant from Perdue, through the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation.
“The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is very appreciative to be chosen as a recipient of the Perdue Foundation grant, especially as we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October,” said Vicky Cooke, the agency’s executive director. “Grants like this one allow DBCC to provide services to those who are underserved and provide educational and outreach programs to the community free of charge in order to foster the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”
The grant was presented during a midday ceremony at Perdue’s processing plant in Milford amid the backdrop of the Women’s Mobile Health Screening (WMHS) Van and Perdue’s onsite Wellness Center, where associates have access to quality, affordable health care. The unit was there to provide screening mammograms to Perdue associates.
“We admire the wonderful work and positive difference the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition makes through its outreach and educational programs,” said Dean Walston, director of Perdue’s Milford operation, in presenting the grant. “Having the mobile unit onsite gives our associates convenient access to mammography screening and they can do this without losing time away from work.”
“Early detection is one of the most vital issues in fighting breast cancer,” said Dr. Roger Merrill, chief medical officer at Perdue. “At Perdue, we educate associates on early detection of breast cancer through self examinations and intervention awareness programs through our network of onsite health care professionals. Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Delaware, but thanks to the commitment to early detection, screening and education programs provided by organizations like the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, the survival rate is improving.”
Bill Hetherington, executive director of the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, said, “We’re pleased to present this grant on behalf of Perdue to support the good work of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. The resources of the Foundation enable us to continue to have a positive impact in the communities where Perdue associates live and work, and we’re proud to partner with the agency on such an important cause.”
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About Perdue and the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Perdue Family of Companies includes the 20,000 associates working in Perdue Farms, Perdue AgriBusiness and our shared services organizations. Together, they share a Vision “to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. PERDUE® is the No. 1 brand of fresh chicken in the Eastern United States.
The Arthur W. Perdue Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable foundation established in 1957 by the founder of Perdue Incorporated. Grants are distributed for the improvement of life in the community through support of the arts, community development, education, health, human services and youth activities.
For more information, contact Perdue spokesperson Julie DeYoung at 410-341-2533 or visit www.perdue.com.