Whether at a grill or at a poker table – or with a bow or golf club – more than 1,700 people lent their efforts this spring to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama to help fight breast cancer.

The CahabaQue BBQ Cook-Off on April 9, followed by Pink Palace Casino Night on April 23, the Drive Out Breast Cancer golf tournament May 16 and the Bow-Up Against Breast Cancer 3D archery tournament May 21-22 netted about $300,000 for lifesaving breast cancer research across the state.

“Since our founding in 1996, the BCRFA has invested over $12 million to Alabama breast cancer research, thanks in large part to the generous community supporters and partners who make our events possible,” said Beth Bradner Davis, BCRFA executive director. She said that money raised through the events fuel the organization’s mission to eradicate breast cancer by funding research and growing awareness.

“BCRFA funding is unique because our grants accelerate the most promising, early-stage research happening right here in Alabama,” Davis added. “With our seed funding, researchers can gather the data needed to apply for larger national grants from funders like the National Institutes of Health or the National Cancer Institute.” On average, funds invested by the BCRFA are leveraged 14 to 1, she said.

“Research is what’s eventually going to cure this thing, and that’s why we’re all here,” said Eric Meyer, co-founder of Cahaba Brewing Co., which hosted the April 9 CahabaQue that attracted more than 1,200 guests to the brewery.

With more than 4,200 Alabama women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis this year alone, Davis noted that the BCRFA is meeting a critical need by accelerating science toward a cure. The organization has a full calendar of events throughout the rest of the year, including a disc golf tournament, BBQ cook-off, golf tournament, motorcycle ride and 5K walk/run. For more information, visit bcrfa.org/events.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)