A huge crowd of ladies were Thinking Pink on Thursday, October 30th, for the 2nd Annual CCHS Think Pink Trivia Night. The Meridian Tap House set the scene with an elevated charcuterie spread that was as delicious as it was beautifully displayed, paired perfectly with mini cupcakes baked by CCHS’ own Tammie Maaske, the friendly face you’ll recognize from the Physical Therapy Clinic. Guests also loved the complimentary keepsake wine glasses for the first 50 attendees and a beverage courtesy of the Hospital Foundation.
The goal of this event is simple but significant, to raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screenings and shine a spotlight on women’s health. As teams packed the Tap House from wall to wall, ready for friendly competition, Tap House owner Kristen Bennett welcomed everyone and spoke on the importance of supporting local healthcare to keep essential services close to home.
After a lively round of trivia, including a bonus round where players could double their points or lose it all, winning teams took home prize bags, and the speaker presentations began. This year’s lineup struck a balance between heartfelt inspiration and meaningful education.
First up was Nicole Buettner, the Physician Assistant to Dr. Cynthia Lewis, one of the two Oncologists who visit CCHS Specialty Clinic. She gave a detailed and informational but digestible explanation of the “Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Breast Cancer Screenings”.
Next, Shelly Pulliam, a mammographer and breast cancer survivor from Hebron, Nebraska, shared her deeply moving story. She spoke of her experience navigating treatment as a mother, daughter, friend, and medical professional, bringing the room to tears with her honesty and strength.
Kristi Folmer, provider at the Cozad Medical Clinic, followed with an interactive moment, asking the audience to stand for some light mobility stretches, only to discover there wasn’t enough room for the activity among the many full and festively decorated tables. She celebrated the turnout, then gave a detailed list of other general Women’s Health guidelines, tips and reminders.
The evening concluded with a beautifully told story of faith, community, and resilience by Tammy Paulsen, who shared her breast cancer journey from detection at her annual mammogram through treatment surrounded by family and community support. Her message of faith and health advocacy reminded everyone of what truly matters most, health, hope, and the people beside us.
To help raise awareness for this impactful event, for the entire month of October CCHS gave the community the opportunity to enter to win a Pink Yeti Cooler. Participants could enter each time they visited the Tap House, but had to be present at Trivia Night to win. CEO Robert Dyer drew the winner to close out the evening.
The evening was thoughtfully brief and accessible, coming to a close just before 7:00pm, and transitioning seamlessly into the Tap House’s Music Bingo for those who wanted to stay and celebrate a little longer.
CCHS remains committed to community outreach that not only educates and raises awareness, but also brings people together to connect, support one another, and build a stronger, healthier community.