Edna B. and Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation presents its eighth annual “Hats and Gloves With Tea on the Mississippi.” The theme for this year’s event is “Strings of Harmony” and will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Natchez Grand Hotel. The program will feature accomplished harpist, Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts, professor of Musicology at Jackson State University. Beckley-Roberts will perform several medleys for your enjoyment. How exciting is that?

Admission is reasonably priced at $25 per person.

Wear your most tantalizing hat or your creative decorative style of hat along with matching gloves and be eligible to become a winner for the most beautiful hat or gloves. However, if wearing hats does not suit your fancy, that is perfectly acceptable because hats and gloves are optional.

During the tea, there will be an exciting silent auction. Local artisans have been very generous and have contributed a wide range of items from baby blankets, to wicker rocking chairs, dining for two, women’s favorite fragrances and hand bags. We must not forget a weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast and also a B&B in New Orleans and much, much, more.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to contribute to this most worthwhile effort. Washington Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Therefore, If your bid is above the actual retail price, that amount is tax deductible.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the tea will remain in the Miss-Lou and will be used to provide FREE mammograms. Any woman who is uninsured or is under-insured is eligible to receive this service. The mammograms are made possible through the cooperative working relationship with Merit Health Natchez.

Since the initiation of this program, “Journey To Save A Life” 98 mammograms and 26 sonograms have been provided. The process to receive this service is easy and only requires that you see your medical professional.  For additional information on how to receive a free mammogram, please call 601-445-9530.

As a 28-year breast cancer survivor, I understand the importance that early detection plays in each life. In support of this premise, the foundation focuses on educating women that scheduling mammograms on an annual basis, unless otherwise recommended by medical personnel, is paramount. The foundation also provides supportive services to breast cancer survivors in New Orleans through Sisters In Touch Support Group. The group, with an average attendance of 16 survivors, meets each month and has done so for the past twenty-three years.

Joyce Fay Washington Ivery is the founder and CEO of the Edna B. And Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.