Emmy-winning news anchor Andrea Morehead, who has chronicled her personal journey with breast cancer, will serve as keynote speaker at this year’s Hoops for Women’s Health event hosted by the Hancock Health Foundation to raise money for the Women Helping Women fund.
INDIANAPOLIS – Get ready to stash away those high heels and lace up those high tops.
After celebrating its 25th anniversary with a formal gala last year, the popular Women Helping Women fundraiser is going casual this year with a basketball theme – Hoops for Women’s Health.
The Oct. 25 event encourages attendees to don their favorite basketball jersey or other fan apparel for a night of dinner and dancing at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville.
Andrea Morehead, an Emmy-winning news anchor who has chronicled her personal journey with breast cancer, will serve as keynote speaker.
The WHW Fund is a component of the Hancock Health Foundation, which uses the fund to cover the cost of women’s healthcare for those in financial need.
The foundation’s executive director, Allyson Smith, said the planning committee was inspired to shoot for a basketball theme this year in part due to the hoopla surrounding Caitlin Clark’s signing with the Indiana Fever.
Clark was selected as the first overall pick in this year’s Women’s National Basketball Association draft by the Indiana Fever on April 15. She played her first regular season game with the team on May 14, and has been said to have reshaped the way the world views women’s sports.
“I think women’s sports in general are really having a moment right now, which we love to see,” said Smith, who thinks the history-making headlines are a perfect tie in to the empowerment women can feel when taking charge of their own health.
For 26 years now, Women Helping Women has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help women receive essential healthcare services through the James T. Anderson Center for Women’s Health, located within Hancock Regional Hospital.
Through the fund, women who are uninsured, underinsured or low-income can receive an array of service from mammograms and pelvic exams to ultrasounds and MRIs.
“That’s always been the mission of Women Helping Women, to provide health services to women who can’t afford them,” said Smith.
Prior to COVID, the annual fundraiser was drawing close to 400 attendees, but attendance has dropped somewhat since then. This year Smith hopes to see tickets selling as fast as a Caitlin Clark season opener.
Smith is especially excited that Morehead will serve as keynote speaker this year.
“I think she was really forthcoming and brave in (chronicling her cancer battle),” she said, “so I believe her story will really resonate with our mission.”
Smith is also happy to welcome back local auctioneer Wayne Addision, who will auction off a number of items including a few trips, a signed Caitlin Clark jersey and other basketball-themed items.
While the live auction at the event is only for attendees, the online auction will be open to the public.
Those in attendance will also get the chance to shoot hoops in a “pop-a-shot” basketball game. Those who make the shot will be entered to win Indiana Pacers tickets.
Guests can also snap some shots with basketball props at a photo booth and visit with the Indiana Fever’s mascot, Freddy Fever, during cocktail hour.
While the program is called Women Helping Women, Smith said men are encouraged to attend as well.
“This is for everybody who thinks women’s health is important, who want to support local healthcare for women in need,” she said.
Hoops for Women’s Health tips off at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. The $125 ticket price includes a plated dinner. The deadline to register is Oct. 11.
For information, visit hancockhealth.org/event/women-helping-women.
