The Ribbon of Hope Luncheon originated in 2001 as a fundraiser for the Women's Wellness Fund. It attracts a capacity crowd of the Dayton area's business and community leaders to the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College to hear a nationally-known speaker on the topic of breast cancer and women's health issues.
Past speakers at the luncheon include: Dr. Jerri Nielson, physician who treated herself while on duty at the South Pole; Susan Ford, former first daughter; Astronaut Mae Jemison; Dr. Lillie Shockney; Stephanie Speilman, wife of OSU football star Chris Speilman; Dr. Vladimir Lange; Today Show host, Hoda Kotb; ABC news commentator, Cokie Roberts; Cate Edwards, President of the Elizabeth Edwards Foundation; breast cancer survivor and author, Christine Clifford; author, journalist, and breast cancer survivor, Geralyn Lucas; television hostess, actress, and breast cancer survivor, Samantha Harris; and Bill Rancic, husband of breast cancer survivor, Giuliana Rancic.
Over the years, the luncheon has grown from a mere 75 attendees to over 650 in recent years. Many corporations and organizations attend in addition to individuals who are dedicated to supporting the Women's Wellness Fund. The Fund, established in 1995, provides necessary mammography and other diagnostic services to uninsured and underserved women in our community. To date, it has helped more than 15,000 women and raised in excess of $1.6 million through the Walk for Women's Wellness and The Ribbon of Hope Luncheon.
For more information, contact Sandy Peebles at (937) 395-8607 or email sandy.peebles@ketteringhealth.org.