Important Message from Executive Director, Deb Girard, on 2021 Shades of Hope Gala

Dear Friends of IMPACT Melanoma,

Early in June as we began to plan for the 2021 Shades of Hope Gala, COVID19 numbers were in sharp decline, and we were optimistic about returning to our in-person event this year. As the months have passed and COVID numbers are significantly higher, with the addition of another dangerous variant of the disease, we needed to rethink the risks of gathering together. Yes, we could require vaccinations, masks, testing but we couldn’t be sure that we could guarantee your safety, or that of our staff and volunteers. We are all in this together and while today we aren’t in a place that we feel we could safely produce an indoor event, we can certainly produce an exciting evening that we can share with you at home.

Our financial need has not gone away. During the last 18 months our program work has been very strong, rolling out our new No Sun for Babies initiative across the country as well as the virtual expansion of our outdoor workers program, Safe Skin at Work. Virtual teaching has topped our new initiatives with Facebook live trainings as well as Park and Recreation training programs across the country, to name a few. Our support programs are growing, especially since we moved to virtual support groups, some changes are here to stay!

What we’d like you to hear is that we need your support more than ever, but it has to be in way that doesn’t place any of us at risk for COVID. It’s one of our values to be safe.

So, let’s continue to be in this together, support IMPACT Melanoma by joining us virtually on Friday, November 12th at our Shades of Hope Gala. Please consider becoming a sponsor and encouraging others to do the same. Please also consider donating an auction item or making a donation to help keep our programs strong. Our Host Committee has a magical evening planned for you with entertainment, a fabulous live and silent auction and so much more!

There will be a day when we can come together again in-person. But right now, you are all too important to us to take any risk. Thank you for your patience and your support. We look forward to “seeing you” at the Virtual Shades of Hope Gala.

Thank you again for your support in funding our mission to reduce the risk of melanoma and provide support for those who need us most.

Sincerely,

Deb Girard
Executive Director
IMPACT Melanoma