Erica's Friends thank donors

Date: 9/29/2009

Erica's Friends 2009 Dinner Benefit raised just over $20,000 for the research of ACC. We had a fun filled evening with about 150 people in attendance to remember a special woman and to raise awareness of ACC, the rare cancer that took the life of Erica Beauchamp in 2006, comments Maggie Brochu. We were a bit apprehensive about asking our past year sponsors, friends and families to contribute due to the current economic situation but have been delighted by the support we have received.

The event was held at Paddy's Pub in Springfield. Owner Tim Dineen generously offered us the use of the pub for the event. In past years Mr. Dineen offered us his bar Houligan's in Wilbraham for our private gathering, but this was a large gesture, closing Paddy's Pub for the event. We were thrilled by his generosity, says Monique Beauchamp Loizzo, member of the committee.

The evening included a buffet dinner, entertainment by Tom Ingram and an auction that generated just over $9,000. We want to publicly thank the friends and families who generously donated some incredible auction items that included luxury vacation homes, Red Sox tickets, jewelry, gift certificates, spa treatments and so much more.

Erica's Friends would also like to extend our warmest appreciation to all our annual sponsors and a heartfelt thank you to our "Miracle Sponsors" which are as follows: AAA of Pioneer Valley, Joel Castleman, Central Chevrolet, Cindy and Edward Palmer, The Gaudreau Group, Friendly's Ice Cream, Hampden County Physicians and "Live Like Andi" Foundation for their continued support to help find a cure.

To all who have been a part of this journey with us to raise awareness and funding to research this rare form of cancer, we at Erica's Friends are forever grateful.

Maggie, Angela, Monique, Karen and Maryanne