Big Y Raises $161,000 for Breast-cancer Support Groups

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Supermarkets raised $161,000 during its October initiative, “Partners of Hope,” to support 17 breast-cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“We are delighted to be able to promote breast-cancer awareness to our customers and employees within our local community,” said Big Y CEO Donald D’Amour. “Every dollar earned takes us closer to helping more and more women of all ages.”

Since 2007, the chain has raised more than $669,000 for this cause. The following organizations in Massachusetts received funds through the initiative: the Breast Care Clinic at Saint Vincent Hospital and the Comprehensive Breast Center at UMass Memorial Health Care, both in Worcester; the Gillette Center for Breast Cancer at Mass General Hospital and the Susan F. Smith Center for Women, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital Cancers Breast Oncology Program, both in Boston; the Women’s Imaging Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield; Mercy Breast Care Center, Mercy Medical Center, Springfield; and Rays of Hope, Baystate Health Foundation, Springfield. The following organizations in Connecticut received funds: the Breast Care Collaborative, Eastern CT Health Network, Manchester; the Breast & Oncology Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury; the JMH Cancer Program, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs; the Partnership for Breast Care, Hartford Hospital, Hartford; the Pink Roses Program, Charlotte/Hungerford Hospital, Torrington; the Breast Cancer Program, Yale-New Haven Hospital @ Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven; Comprehensive Breast Health, St. Francis Foundation Center, Hartford; the CT Breast Health Initiative, New Britain; and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliates in Boston and Hartford.

During October, specially marked ’pink’ products and promotions involved almost every department in the store. Big Y donated a portion of the proceeds from several departments. Many other items with pink packaging were available, and their manufacturers also made a donation of a portion of their proceeds for breast-cancer research as well.