Carson Tahoe raises $40,000 at breast cancer event

Carson Tahoe Health called the support it received during an Oct. 6 event designed to raise awareness and resources in the battle against cancer “resounding.”

The annual Hopefest raffle/Think Pink+ event was held at Red’s Old 395 Grill in south Carson City.

“Carson Tahoe Health is thrilled to announce the resounding community support of its annual Hopefest raffle and Think Pink+ event,” CTH officials said in a news release. “This year’s event was historic both for raising over $40,000 in funds as well as for the awareness created surrounding breast cancer. One hundred percent of the money raised provides assistance for patients in treatment, needing help with things like groceries, gas and no-cost stays at the Merriner Cottages on campus.”

The highlight of Think Pink+ was the drawing of the annual Hopefest raffle ticket, with a grand prize choice of a either a new Toyota Corolla or $15,000 in cash donated by Carson City Toyota.

“Out of the thousands of hopeful entries, the winner was Carson Tahoe Health’s very own Teresita (Tess) Orio, a dedicated caregiver and Avasure Tech who has served the organization for nearly 20 years,” CTH said.

Orio purchased her raffle ticket online during the week leading up to the event, and just to ensure her entry, she even contacted the hospital’s marketing department to confirm her online entry had gone through.

 “Tess claimed her choice of prize this week — $15,000 cash — and has plans to pay off some bills, put some toward a family vacation and is even donating some to both the cancer center and her church,” CTH said.

Each year, Carson Tahoe also has system-wide participation in a contest for the staff member who sells the most raffle tickets. Kathy Merrill, a long-time nurse at the Ambulatory Infusion Center, sold 429 tickets (with the help of her husband Bill) ringing up nearly $4,000 in donations.

For information about Carson Tahoe Health, visit www.CarsonTahoe.com.