Savannah – The annual St. Joseph’s/Candler SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo, held on September 30 at the Savannah Convention Center, raised $265,924 for the Telfair Mammography Fund. The event, now in its 24th year, continues a tradition of community‑driven support for women who lack insurance or face high deductibles for breast‑health services.
Why the fundraiser matters
In the Savannah region, roughly one‑in‑five women are uninsured or underinsured, making access to mammograms a critical health need. The Telfair Mammography Fund removes financial barriers, ensuring that women can obtain screenings and follow‑up care regardless of their insurance status.
Event highlights and supporters
The luncheon attracted 1,560 attendees, 80 vendors, and 105 sponsors. Presenting sponsors included Chatham Parkway Lexus and Hilton Head Lexus, while Savannah Chatham Imaging served as the speaker sponsor. Platinum sponsors featured the Colonial Group, Inc., Genetech, and Healthfuse. The new Survivor Celebration Wall was sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Jepson, Jr.
Keynote speaker Patricia Heaton, an Emmy‑Award‑winning actress and philanthropist, shared how her Christian faith guided her career and inspired her commitment to service. She emphasized the importance of community support in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
Voices from the organizers
“Any woman in need of a life‑saving mammogram should not go without one,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler. “SmartWomen is a signature event that replenishes the Telfair Mammography Fund and removes financial barriers for hundreds of women.”
Committee Chair Dana Whitfield added, “Holding the event earlier this year helped launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The community showed up in droves, and we are grateful for the generosity of our vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees.”
Impact and legacy
Over the past 24 years, the SmartWomen event has raised more than $2.8 million for the fund. Those dollars translate into thousands of mammograms and breast‑health education sessions for women who might otherwise go without care.
Vernice Rackett, Executive Director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations, noted, “The event left people inspired, reminding us that family, friends, and community are essential in facing life’s challenges. The Telfair Mammography Fund continues to be a helping hand for women on their breast‑health journeys.”
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to build on this year’s success by expanding vendor participation and seeking additional corporate partners. The goal remains clear: to ensure every woman in Savannah and the surrounding area has access to timely, affordable mammography.
Past SmartWomen luncheons have featured notable speakers such as Stacy London, Laila Ali, Marie Osmond, Soledad O’Brien, Vicki Lawrence, and Amy Grant, underscoring the event’s reputation as a premier community‑focused fundraiser.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
