Florence Bank Sponsors Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner, Silent Auction

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently sponsored Cancer Connection’s 2024 Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction with a $7,000 gift to support the organization that serves as a haven for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.

“We’re on track to reach our $40,000 goal, thanks in large part to Florence Bank and its generous sponsorship,” said Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection.

The nonprofit offers a broad range of free services. Founded in 2000, it will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

“The people we serve tend to be isolated, and they have a lot of emotions and don’t necessarily have a safe outlet for them,” Kline said. “They can come to us when they’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, and having all these emotions that go along with a cancer diagnosis, and be in community here. This is a place to find strength.”

Cancer Connection programs include therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and reiki; support groups for those living with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers; and one-one-one emotional support with trained ‘befrienders’ on staff who hold confidential conversations with caregivers and people with a diagnosis on Zoom or in person.

“We have space for laughter and jokes and processing grief. That’s what’s so special about this community here,” Kline said, noting there are groups for young adults, those living with a breast-cancer diagnosis, men only, and those for caregivers and families.

“We are honored to support an organization that provides comfort to those enduring a cancer diagnosis in our midst,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “That we can help them gives our bank community a sense of comfort as well.”

The annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction was held Oct. 17 in Amherst. The event is one of Cancer Connection’s largest fundraisers.