More than a dozen area businesses in the food and beverage industry have joined forces to raise $24,000 for breast cancer care provided at the Vermont Cancer Center (VCC) at the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care. The fundraiser was organized by Bob and Betsy Conlon, owners of Leunig’s Bistro in Burlington, Vt. The annual project has collected more than $150,000 since it was started in 2002.

“Every one of us in town has been personally touched by breast cancer,” says Bob Conlon.  “When my wife was being treated at the Vermont Cancer Center, we were very impressed with the quality of care and wanted to do something to say thank you.  All of the great partners in this effort do it as a way to give back.”

“We’re so grateful for the continued efforts of the Conlons, the many businesses they work with and their customers to support the VCC,” said Claire Verschraegen, M.D., co-director of the Vermont Cancer Center, UVM professor of medicine and director of hematology/oncology.  “We rely on this kind of support to provide the high quality of care that our community needs and deserves.”

The following businesses participated in the breast cancer care fundraiser:

Farrell Distributing
Long Trail Brewery
Leunig’s Bistro
The Windjammer
The Essex
Shanty on the Shore
Pauline’s Café
Sweetwaters
Arvad’s Grill & Pub
Table 24
Cork Wine Bar & Market
The Common Man Restaurant
Barkeaters
Harrison’s Restaurant
Knotty Shamrock