Strike Out Breast Cancer
Andy B’s Family Entertainment Center and Tulsa Project Woman will present this 10th annual fundraising event in memory of Candace Cramer and Gail Graham.
By: Sheryl Sowell | Category: Health & Fitness | Issue: July 2009
Sharon Mooney, general manager of Andy B’s, and Anne Bogie, executive director of Tulsa Project Woman, have been involved with the Strike Out Breast Cancer fundraiser since its inception ten years ago.
It’s time again to “Strike Out Breast Cancer!” Andy B’s Family Entertainment Center and Tulsa Project Woman will present this 10th annual fundraising event in memory of Candace Cramer and Gail Graham on Saturday, July 25. All proceeds will go directly to Tulsa Project Woman, a regional program that provides breast health education, no-cost mammography, diagnostic procedures and surgical services for women with no health insurance and limited financial resources. Since 1998, Tulsa Project Woman has provided breast health care for more than 16,730 uninsured Oklahomans, and 359 cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed.
The Strike Out Breast Cancer fundraiser is being held in honor of two women who are very special to everyone at Andy B’s and Project Woman. Candace Cramer was marketing director at Andy B’s when it was still Riverlanes, and she also worked as general manager of Broken Arrow Lanes. “Candace was diagnosed with breast cancer about 12 years ago,” said Sharon Mooney, general manager of Andy B’s. “Gail Graham was also a prominent person in the bowling community, and she and Candace were diagnosed around the same time. When Gail passed away, Candace was in remission and wanted to honor Gail’s memory by giving back to the community, so she came up with the idea for the fundraiser. Candace passed away last year, and it was very important to Andy B’s to continue what she started. I was friends with Candace going on 30 years, so this event is very sentimental to me – to all of us.”
The fundraiser is near and dear to the hearts of all the organizers, who each have been involved since day one. In addition to Sharon Mooney, those who make the event possible year after year are Anne Bogie, Steve Inasy, Wes Thompson, Pat Navel and Tara Cramer, daughter of Candace Cramer. Anne Bogie is executive director of Tulsa Project Woman and is a breast cancer survivor herself. “I am a 12-year survivor this month, and I bowl in the fundraiser with my four boys every single year,” said Anne. Wes Thompson, secretary of the Tulsa Bowling Association, has personal ties with the disease as well; his mother and sister were both diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Strike Out Breast Cancer benefit will take place in two squads; bowlers play three games either at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. In the past, games have been tournament-style, but this year it’s all about fun. Anybody can participate, children and adults, and you don’t even need to know how to bowl. Games will be 9 pin no-tap; knocking down nine pins counts as a strike. Cost is $100 per lane, with teams consisting of five to six players.
All participants will receive grab bags filled with goodies from local businesses. The day’s festivities also will include raffles for prizes and a silent auction. Local companies, including Edy’s Ice Cream and Highland Dairy, will be on hand selling treats, with all revenue donated to Project Woman. Andy B’s is still seeking corporate support; if your business is interested in donating items or funds, call Sharon Mooney at (918) 299-9494.
“We’re so thrilled to be having the event at Andy B’s this year; their recent remodel is awesome!” said Anne. “It’s the perfect environment for a family event like this. We always host it in July, when the temperature is usually over 100 degrees outside, and to me that’s the perfect time to be inside having fun in an air-conditioned, smoke-free place.”
Over the years, Strike Out Breast Cancer has raised a total of about $100,000 for Project Woman, assisting 2,300 uninsured women per year. To learn more about Project Woman, go online to www.tulsaprojectwoman.com or call (918) 834-7200. To find out more about the Strike Out Breast Cancer fundraiser, call Andy B’s at (918) 299-9494 or Wes Thompson at (918) 742-1634.
For more information, contact
Andy B’s Family Entertainment Center
8711 S. LewisTulsa, OK 74137(918) 299-9494
About Author Sheryl Sowell
Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.
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