Mardi Gras Magic
CRANBERRY TWP — More than 400 people attended the 13th annual Crystal Ball on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Marriott North.
The Butler Health System Foundation sponsored the Mardi Gras-themed celebration that raised more than $130,000.
That money will go to a Tomosynthesis unit for Butler Health System's Women's Imaging Center. The unit helps with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer through its 3D imaging technology.
Ken DeFurio, health system president and CEO, said, “Butler Health System has successfully built its imaging program to include everything from diagnostic testing to specialty procedures. The money raised at this event will help us to continue to provide outstanding care to our community and region.”
Kim Patterson was the committee chairman of the event, which had as lead sponsors Concordia Lutheran Ministries and the Pennsylvania Brain and Spine Institute.
At the event, the Women of Legacy Award was presented to Carole Bitter, president and chief executive officer of Friedman's Freshmarkets.The award goes to a woman who has contributed to the health and well-being of Butler County through excellence in patient care, overcoming a personal illness or crisis, or improving some aspect of the community's health.It was started by Dr. William DiCuccio in memory of his mother, Catherine Mae DiCuccio.From the time she was a girl, Bitter wanted to have an active role in the health of her community.From her volunteer work in different departments at Butler Memorial Hospital during her high school years as a candy striper to studying pre-med at Case Western Reserve University, her desire to have an impact on her community was strong.At a time when women deciding on a career in medicine also possibly meant not having a family, Bitter's career path changed from medicine to psychology and English.During her graduate studies, she had the opportunity to join the family business. She worked through the company ranks to her current position.But she also has taken time for an active role in the community, serving on boards including the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, the Irene Stacy Mental Health Center, the Downtown Butler Renaissance Commission, the Butler County Historical Society, the Butler Area Health Resources Development Corp., Butler Memorial Hospital, and the Moraine Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.Bitter has led her company to do the same. Friedman's was one of the first supporters of the hosptial's Caring Angel Program, providing businesses with angel cookies to sell for their fundraising efforts.The company also participated in the Grocers Fight Cancer Program beginning in 1988. Fundraising events included celebrity baggers, many of whom were hospital employees.While on the Butler Memorial Hospital board, Bitter was a founding member of the Butler Community Health Advisory Board, which developed the Community Health Assessment to determine health issues and to find ways to address them.The health assessment process started in the 1990s and has continued every two years. It has changed the way that health care is delivered in the county.
One example was determining areas of high breast cancer incidence and bringing resources to those locations.The health assessment also identified the need for high end heart care, giving birth to the health system's cardiology program.Another issue revealed was the prevalence of obesity related diseases. Bitter has helped educate consumers about healthier food choices and was involved in the “Just for the Health of it” campaign, a community wide effort that encouraged healthy eating, regular exercise and weight management.Advertisements for the four Friedman's stores highlight healthier and organic choices. In 2011, a shelf tag program titled “Eat Right for Life” was initiated to teach customers about healthy options.She is on national committees with the Food Marketing Institute and the National Grocers Association that are driving initiatives for clearer food labels, food safety and food waste.She and her husband, Rick, have one son, Erick. All three live in Butler.
<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
<br></br><br></br><br></br><br></br>
