Pot O'Gold Sponsors: Lexus of Omaha & Mark & Mary Ellen Nylen Foundation
The Mark & Mary Ellen Nylen Foundation and Lexus of Omaha are supporting the 13th Annual Winter Benefit to be held Saturday, February 19 at the Marina Inn. The Pot O’ Gold sponsorship sets the stage for the Irish themed event – “Stars & Angles Among Us – Fight Like the Irish” and will allow the June E. Nylen Cancer Center to fund cancer screenings for the underserved people of Siouxland. “We are so grateful for this level of sponsorship. By having over $112,000 already committed to the cause, we will be able to reach more people in need of mammograms and colonoscopies. With education, early detection and treatment, the incidence of breast and colon cancer can be reduced,” says Karen Van De Steeg, Executive Director. “Lexus of Omaha is proud to be a part of the Sioux City market and to participate in a great cause that can affect anybody at any time,” says Rob Mueting, VP and General Manager. "The Nylens care deeply about people stricken with cancer. They feel strongly that people who are more fortunate should contribute to those who are less fortunate,” says Pat Hubbard, Director of Fund Development. “They have proven that with their strong support of the Cancer Center.” Mark Nylen’s mother, June Eileen (Wiese) Nylen, was a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa from 1965 until 1973. In 1975 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and succumbed to the disease in 1980. June was described by many as a very loving and caring person who chose to help people in need. She taught her children to always do the right thing, and to help others where and whenever possible. With that philosophy in mind, Mark and Mary Ellen made a contribution of $1,000,000 in 2004 to inspire others with the gift of caring and hope. The Siouxland Regional Cancer Center then officially changed its name to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. The Winter Benefit is the Cancer Center’s signature fundraiser and includes Irish beer tasting, a silent and live auction, Irish-themed dinner, the Stars & Angels award program and entertainment by the Sioux City Bagpipers. The Cancer Center has a long history of providing free mammograms. Over 4,000 have been given in the last 12 years through partnerships with Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center. The free mammogram program has also received significant funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and other private donors. Over 500 people have received free colon screenings through the Get Checked program which was founded in 2009 by a generous donation from Mark and Mary Ellen Nylen. The Get Checked program has been a success by partnering with local gastroenterologists, St. Luke’s and Mercy Medical Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Pat Hubbard, Director of Fund Development at the Cancer Center, 712.252.9352, email hubbardp@jencc.com or visit www.nylencancercenter.com.