Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County (BCSS) has received a six figure gift, the first ever for the organization. The unrestricted gift was left to BCSS by Mary Ellen Hafer. This gift will make it possible for BCSS to continue to add additional programs and resources for breast cancer survivors and their family members. The gift will be invested to ensure that the impact will be felt for years to come.
“The BCSS Board of Directors wish to thank Mary Ellen Hafer for her generous gift and making BCSS a part of her legacy. Her gift will ensure that our organization in the coming years will continue the mission of providing hope, information and emotional support to every person affected by breast cancer.” ~ Debbie Lessie, Board President and breast cancer survivor.
Mary Ellen Hafer passed away on November 9, 2021. She was lovingly referred to as “Emmie” by family and friends. Emmie was an outdoor person and her love of golf began when she was 18 years old. She golfed with her father at the Reading Country Club where she met her husband George. She and George began their membership at the Berkshire Country Club in 1974 and she was the Ladies Club Champion in 1987. She won the ladies club championship three times and had one hole in one during her golfing career. Emmie was the Co-Chair of the Pink Ribbon Challenge for 22 of the 27 years that the event has been held to benefit BCSS. She will be remembered for her creative holes and her “Emmie Mobile”, as well as her sense of humor and generosity.
Over the past two years BCSS has increased the number of programs, services and resources that are offered to breast cancer survivors, their family members and caregivers. Moving forward our goal is to provide support to the entire family as all family members are affected by the diagnosis.
“A gift of this magnitude ensures that Breast Cancer Support Services can sustain the growth that we have seen over the past two years as well as begin the process of finding an office space that better meets the needs of our program participants. There are a variety of programs and services that we aren’t able to provide in-house as we have outgrown our current space. We are humbled and grateful to be remembered by Emmie in such a meaningful and impactful way. This generous gift will make a significant impact for so many women and men in our community. We look forward to honoring her memory in the coming months when we celebrate the grand opening of a new location.” ~ Michele M. Reinert, CFRE, Executive Director.
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