Pink Ribbon Society founder Ann Peters talks to the crowd during the 2019 Pink Ribbon Luncheon at Avalon Manor Banquet Center.
MERRILLVILLE — The Pink Ribbon Society will continue its mission of helping men and women in Northwest Indiana affected by breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Society Founder Ann Peters said in a news release the nonprofit was at risk of closing its doors in the new year due to a lack of revenue.
Funds used by the society, Peters said, were affected after the organization's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A majority of the society's revenue is raised through the event.
Cancer cells have co-opted the hibernation ability of some animals.
In August, the society launched a Save our Society initiative, asking the community for help to keep the society open.
From Nov. 19 to Dec. 31, Pink Ribbon received more than $7,000 in donations, with McColly Charities donating an additional $5,000.
"Our sincere appreciation to McColly Charities and all of our family, friends and contributors who supported this fundraiser," Peters said. "It is because of this kind of support that we will be able to keep the doors of Pink Ribbon Society open during 2021."
Peters said Pink Ribbon will be able to use the funds to provide "life-saving mammograms and ultrasounds," as well as support the society's patient assistance program and wig reimbursement program.
The 2021 Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon has been tentatively scheduled for Sept. 26 at Avalon Manor in Hobart, pending the effects of COVID-19, Peters said.
Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week
Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week
Vigil for Wydallas Tobar
Friends and family release balloons at a Wednesday night vigil in Lake Station for Wydallas Tobar, who was killed a year ago in Gary.
Vigil for Wydallas Tobar
Balloons carry messages of remembrance for Wydallas Tobar, who was killed a year ago in Gary. Friends and family held a vigil for the 37-year-old Gary man on Wednesday night in Lake Station.
Vigil for Wydallas Tobar
Avori Austen, 15, one of Wydallas Tobar's daughters, signs a balloon as her mother, Jamie Austen, keeps them from flying away at Wednesday night's vigil in Lake Station on the anniversary of his death.
Vigil for Wydallas Tobar
Balloons are released at Wednesday night's vigil in Lake Station for Wydallas Tobar, who was killed a year ago in Gary.
Hobart makes its season debut against Griffith
Griffith's Jacari Phillips drives for a layup against Hobart on Tuesday.
Hobart makes its season debut against Griffith
Hobart's Keith Mullins pulls down a rebound Tuesday against Griffith.
Hobart makes its season debut against Griffith
Griffith's Prince Johnson Jr. tries to keep the ball from Hobart's Quinten White, left, and Keith Mullins during the Brickies' season opener Tuesday.
Hobart makes its season debut against Griffith
Hobart's Keith Mullins is double-teamed by Griffith's DeQuan King, left, and Prince Johnson Jr.
Merrillville at Michigan City
Michigan City's Mary Pat Kelley tries to stop Merrillville's Micah Grady in the first quarter at Michigan City Tuesday evening.
Merrillville at Michigan City
Merrillville's Kennedie Burks and Torri Miller swarm Michigan City's Trinity Thompson in the second quarter at Michigan City Tuesday evening.
Merrillville at Michigan City
Merrillville's SaMya Miller pulls the ball away from Michigan City's Mary Pat Kelley in the fourth quarter at Michigan City Tuesday evening.
Merrillville at Michigan City
Michigan City's Jaden Smallwood tries to defend Merrillville's Cailynn Dilosa in the first quarter Tuesday at Michigan City.
Orthodox Christmas service
Father Alex Novakovic opens the liturgy Wednesday morning at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, where parishioners are gathering for Christmas services under pandemic rules of social distancing.
Orthodox Christmas service
Pews are taped off for social distancing as Father Alex Novakovic leads liturgy Wednesday morning at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, where the pandemic has modified how those of the Orthodox faith celebrate Christmas.
Orthodox Christmas service
Parishioners light prayer candles Wednesday morning at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville where the pandemic has modified how they celebrate Christmas.
Orthodox Christmas service
Badnjak or yule log prepared to burn Wednesday night at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville as those of Orthodox faith celebrate Christmas.
William "Andy" Short is new Hammond Police Chief
William "Andy" Short examines his star after being announced as Hammond's new police chief.
William "Andy" Short is new Hammond Police Chief
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., right, presents William "Andy" Short with his star as Short becomes the new Hammond police chief.
William "Andy" Short is new Hammond Police Chief
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., right, presents outgoing Hammond Police Chief John Doughty with a key to the city.
William "Andy" Short is new Hammond Police Chief
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. looks on as William "Andy" Short speaks Friday after being announced as Hammond's new police chief.
Bowman/Gary West Side, boys basketball
Gary West SIde’s Jalen Washington, left and Nisaiah King as the Cougars play Bowman Academy’s Eagles Friday night at West Side.
Bowman/Gary West Side, boys basketball
Bowman's Koron Davis tries to squeeze between West Side’s Billy Muldrew, left and Parion Roberson Friday night at West Side.
Bowman/Gary West Side, boys basketball
Bowman Academy’s Leon Grimes maintains control at Bowman’s basket as West Side’s Israel Hines defends Friday night at West Side.
Bowman/Gary West Side, boys basketball
West Side’s Jalen Washington, center, grabs for a rebound at West Side’s basket with Bowman Academy’s Jevon France, left, and Ajani Nixon defending Friday night at West Side.
LaPorte at Lake Central
LaPorte's Grant Ott-Large tries to stop Lake Central's Brandon Escobedo at the basket in the third quarter at Lake Central High School in St. John Friday evening.
LaPorte at Lake Central
LaPorte's Grant Ott-Large gets past Lake Central's Jack Mahoney at the basket in the fourth quarter at Lake Central High School in St. John Friday evening.
LaPorte at Lake Central
LaPorte's Kyle Kirkham, Drew Noveroske and Tommy Samuelson try to disrupt Lake Central's Kyle Ross in the second quarter at Lake Central High School in St. John Friday evening.
LaPorte at Lake Central
Lake Central's Nate Oakley and LaPorte's Tommy Samuelson go for a rebound in the third quarter at Lake Central High School in St. John Friday evening.
Merrillville at Chesterton girls basketball
Chesterton's Emma Schmidt is double-teamed by Merrillville's Shekinah Thomas, left, and SaMya Miller.
Merrillville at Chesterton girls basketball
Merrillville's SaMya Miller, left, fouls Chesterton's Emma Pape.
Merrillville at Chesterton girls basketball
Chesterton's Katelynn Carr, left, is guarded closely by Merrillville's Torri Miller.
Merrillville at Chesterton girls basketball
Chesterton's Nalani Malackowski and Merrillville's Torri Miller chase down a loose ball.
Honor Flight sign delivery
Members of Honor Flight Chicago deliver yard signs to 94-year-old World War ll veteran Al Breu on Saturday. Munster police and fire departments along with friends and well-wishers paraded past Breu’s home, blasting sirens, honking horns and waving American flags.
Honor Flight sign delivery
Friends and well-wishers drive past the home of 94-year-old World War ll veteran Al Breu on Saturday. With a Munster police and fire department escort, Members of Honor Flight Chicago delivered a yard sign to Breu.
Honor Flight sign delivery
Navy veteran Jesse Casiano, of Munster, tapes flags to his car in preparation for a parade past the home of 94-year-old World War ll veteran Al Breu on Saturday.
Honor Flight sign delivery
Friends and relatives of 94-year-old World War ll veteran Al Breu stand near his Munster home Saturday as members of Honor Flight Chicago deliver a yard sign honoring Breu.
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Crown Point's Aly Hoover swims the butterfly leg of the 200-yard medley relay during the Highland Invitational at Valparaiso High School on Saturday afternoon.
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Highland's Rachel Krick competes in the 100-yard butterfly during the Highland Invitational at Valparaiso High School on Saturday afternoon.
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Lake Central's Jourie Wilson swims the backstroke leg during the 200-yard medley relay during the Highland Invitational at Valparaiso High School on Saturday.
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Crown Point's Emma Bahr swims the butterfly leg during the 200-yard individual medley during the Highland Invitational at Valparaiso High School on Saturday afternoon. She finished second in the event.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Leah Earnest gets a look in the paint on Thursday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Grace White, center, finds pressure from Northern Iowa's Bre Gunnels, left, on Thursday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Shay Frederick, left, works around Northern Iowa's Maya McDermott for a basket on Thursday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
From left, Northern Iowa's Emerson Green, Valparaiso's Grace White and Ella Ellenson and Northern Iowa's Cynthia Wolf fight for a loose ball on Thursday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Carie Weinman looks for an open teammate on Friday against Northern Iowa at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Northern Iowa's Emerson Green, center, fights with Valparaiso's Shay Frederick for a rebound on Friday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Shay Frederick gets a shot past Northern Iowa's Nicole Kroeger on Friday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Northern Iowa at Valparaiso women's basketball
Valparaiso's Carie Weinman, left, passes out while under pressure from Northern Iowa's Cailyn Morgan on Friday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Carter Ray little boy with cancer gives gift to homeless
Carter Ray with his mother, Kelly and some of the donated items he received to help homeless in Chicago. Carter, who just turned 11 on Tuesday, has leukemia. He made a wish to Santa for McDonald's gift cards and items to distribute to the homeless people he sees on a regular basis on his way to treatment at Comer Children's Hospital for his cancer. He received $230 in McDonald's gift cards, and also has hats, gloves, treat bags and other items to distribute.
Missouri State at Valparaiso men's basketball
Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich communicates to his players on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Missouri State at Valparaiso men's basketball
Missouri State's Gaige Prim, left, gets the rebound over Valparaiso's Ben Krikke on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Missouri State at Valparaiso men's basketball
Valparaiso's Donovan Clay, center right, goes up to try and block a layup from Missouri State's Keaton Hervey on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
Missouri State at Valparaiso men's basketball
Valparaiso's Daniel Sackey, center, flies in for the layup on Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso.
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Valparaiso's Jacob Ognavevich dunks against Missouri State to bring the Crusaders within nine of the Bears in the second half at the ARC on Sunday afternoon in Valparaiso.
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Valparaiso's Ben Krikke drives past Missouri State's Gaige Prim in the second half at the ARC on Sunday afternoon in Valparaiso.
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Valparaiso's Donovan Clay and Missouri State's Ja'Monta Black battle for a rebound in the second half at the ARC on Sunday afternoon in Valparaiso.
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Valparaiso's Donovan Clay looks to the basket with pressure from Missouri State's Ja'Monta Black in the second quarter at the ARC Sunday afternoon in Valparaiso.
Gallery
Mary Freda
South Lake County Reporter
Mary Freda is the South Lake County reporter at The Times. She is a proud Ball State graduate, where she studied news journalism and Spanish. You can reach Mary at mary.freda@nwi.com or 219-853-2563.
