“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Event on October 2nd
Mercato First Fridays will mix fun with fundraising on October 2 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM as another charitable effort — “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” — is introduced to the community. Suzanne Perry has been selected as the first Neighbor in Need and will be honored on October 2 in conjunction with Mercato First Fridays.
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” (NHN) is an offshoot of iWannahelp.net, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed for charitable involvement by means of a comprehensive website. NHN will focus its efforts to raise awareness and funds for one individual each month that is in dire financial need due to medical expenses.
Perry, a Naples resident since 1981, is a master hair stylist at Franco’s Beauty Center. In January, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and later doctors discovered she also has the aggressive cancer gene. Perry has no health insurance. Surgical costs and expenses related to chemotherapy and radiation treatments are anticipated to reach nearly $100,000.
“Mercato First Fridays provides an ideal platform for “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” said Kristin Cartwright, Director of Lutgert Commercial Marketing. “We are pleased the committee has chosen Suzanne as our first “Neighbor.” First Fridays is intended to be a positive, fun event for the community and by incorporating a helping-hand program to our neighbors makes a good fit. Mercato merchants are enthused to be part of this compassionate endeavor in step with the mission of iWannahelp.net.”
