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Despite rainy weather, many chip in for cancer research at breakfast

A member of the Bluffton West 4-H Beef and Sheep Club went well above and beyond the call of duty on Sunday, May 25 by hosting a pancake breakfast with the proceeds being forwarded to breast cancer research.
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Surrounded by family

Review staff

A member of the Bluffton West 4-H Beef and Sheep Club went well above and beyond the call of duty on Sunday, May 25 by hosting a pancake breakfast with the proceeds being forwarded to breast cancer research.

Amy Mayner, along with family, friends and fellow club members chipped in for the breakfast, that raised $770 after expenses, despite some windy, rainy and cold weather.

“Considering the weather, it is about what I expected. We had around 100 people attend. We had planned for about 300 if the weather cooperated but even with poor weather, the turnout was good,” she said. “We received many generous donations in addition to the tickets that were sold for breakfast. The donations really helped to increase the profit and were greatly appreciated.”

While the pancake breakfast turned out to be successful, according to Mayner it was Plan B.

“I attended Farmfair International last fall and witnessed the support for the Breast Cancer Foundation with the, Tough Enough to Wear Pink, event. I wanted to bring something similar to our community, but after discussing it with my parents and 4-H leader, I decided on a pancake breakfast. I felt that the breakfast was something the community could actively participate in,” she said adding that the project was part of her 4-H program.

“In 4-H, as well as taking animal projects, senior members are allowed to complete a senior Project,” she said. “I wanted to do something that gives back to the community because our community is very supportive of the 4-H program and it’s members.”

Whether the project was held during a cold, windy day or on the hottest day of the year it could not have been completed by just one person – a fact that Mayner was quick to point out.

“The support of the 4-H club is essential in completing a senior project. Specifically, for this event, myself, as well as my mom, did the organizing, and the members agreed to come to cook and help clean etc.,” she said. “As well as support from our club members, my grandma, parents, aunts, and uncle were very helpful with the set up, cooking, and clean up.”

Despite the fact that she is just 18 years of age, Mayner is well aware of the foundation that she is helping out and how they, in turn, will help out many others who are battling the disease.

“Cancer affects everyone,” she said. “Aside from that, I specifically chose breast cancer because when I was researching I learned that the Breast Cancer Foundation Prairies / NWT region only spends about 10 percent of it’s funds on operating costs. The rest of the money goes to research, community programs and other things.”

In addition to acknowledging her family, friends and club members, Mayner also sent thanks to everyone who supported the pancake breakfast.

“I would really like to thank the community - local businesses, family, friends and anyone who attended for their support,” she said. “I believe this event was a success, but only because of those who participated.”

Among those who she previously mentioned was her mom Ann who reflected her daughter’s sentiments.

“She originally wanted to do a Tough Enough to Wear Pink during the Achievement Day, but because there were three clubs involved and they all have their own separate coloured shirts, it would have been too confusing for everyone to wear pink,” the senior Mayner said. “So she decided to do something like this to give back to the community. She’s been in 4-H for eight years and has really felt the support for herself and the club.”

Among those who she previously mentioned was her mom Ann who reflected her daughter’s sentiments.

“She originally wanted to do a Tough Enough to Wear Pink during the Achievement Day, but because there were three clubs involved and they all have their own separate coloured shirts, it would have been too confusing for everyone to wear pink,” the seniorMayner said.

“So she decided to do something like this to give back to the community. She’s been in 4-H for eight years and has really felt the support for herself and the club.” Even if the entire process had been a complete failure, mom said the effort put forth by her daughter made her very proud.

“Yes it does,” she said. “Amy’s always been very outgoing and always tries to make a difference and I think this is one way to do it.”

Check future editions of the Rimbey Review for a shot of Amy Mayner making her cheque presentation to representatives of the Breast Cancer Foundation.