BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut – October 15, 2018 – St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound will host its 23^rd Annual Breast Cancer Benefit Dinner on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport. New York Yankee Bucky Dent will speak at the dinner, which will begin at 5 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Joining him will be Caryn Kaufman, a Trumbull native and breast cancer survivor who was treated at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Russell Earl “Bucky” Dent is a former American Major League Baseball player and manager who earned two World Series rings as the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees in 1977 and 1978. He was voted the World Series MVP in 1978 and is most famous for his home run in a tie-breaker game against the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 1978 season.  This year is the 40^th Anniversary of that home run, one of the most famous home runs in Yankee history.

In 2014, Marianne – Bucky’s wife of more than three decades – was diagnosed with brain cancer in and he became her constant caregiver. Marianne lost her brave battle in October 2015. Since Marianne passed away, Bucky has honored her legacy by raising money to purchase blankets for Cancer Patients and personally distributing them in Florida. He will share Marianne’s courageous story and his journey with her throughout her 19-month illness.

Also speaking at the dinner will be Caryn Kaufman, former communications director for the City of Bridgeport, who will share her personal story as a recent breast cancer survivor. Kaufman, who served as chair of Leadership Greater Bridgeport, received her treatment at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and benefited from the many cancer support programs and services offered by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation.

All donations raised from the Dinner will be used to fund programs to increase access to mammography and prevention services for women at risk in our community. Screening services are offered through the digital mobile mammography coach as well as the Breast Health Center. The SWIM also provides wigs, prostheses, medical assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, daycare scholarships, and support groups and services. Thanks to the money raised, more women will receive financial assistance during a time of significant hardship.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with one out of eight women facing breast cancer over the course of her life. Ticket donations for the Dinner are $150 each. Table sponsorships (10 seats) are available for $2,000. To purchase tickets, contact St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visithttps://give.stvincents.org/bcd2018.

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Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport in conjunction with CTrides is hosting a guided Bike to Work day on Friday, October 19, 2018.  City employees who participate will commute via the Pequonnock River Bike Trail departing from Bridgeport Parks and Recreation off Quarry Road in Trumbull at 7:45 a.m.

“Riding your bike to work is a great and healthy way to start the day,” said Mayor Ganim. “Not only will you save on gas and maybe save yourself frustration from traffic, but you’ll be getting exercise. Bike to Work Day in particular is a fun way to connect with people and serves as an energetic boost for your morning routine.”

The Bridgeport Police Department will provide an escort to cyclists heading to work. Temporary bicycle racks will be placed at 45 Lyon Terrace and in the basement parking garage at 999 Broad Street. The Bridgeport Health Department will provide coffee and bagels in the first-floor conference room of City Hall Annex following the ride and CTrides will coordinate return trips in the afternoon.

To learn more about the Bike to Work event, please contact Commuter Program Manager Kristyn Gorton atkristyn.gorton@CTrides.com or (203) 844-0170.

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ridgeport, CT— Mayor Ganim was joined by City Council member Ernest Newton, Mayor’s Initiative for Reentry Affairs (MIRA) Director Eric Christmas, second chance advocates and community members today to sign an ordinance that will encourage developers, who receive incentives from the city, to hire Bridgeport residents and returning citizens for employment opportunities.

“As a city, we want to thrive with economic development while providing job opportunities for our residents and returning citizens,” said Mayor Ganim. “This ordinance was shepherded by City Council members and it had my full support. We understand and recognize the challenges of returning citizens, and the nature of our current job climate.  This ordinance will give our community members priority.  This is not an end all, but it is certainly a major step in the right direction. People want an even playing field or even the chance, not a handout but just an opportunity.   As a returning citizen myself, I want to make sure I am using my platform to give people after me the chance to move forward for their families and for our community.”

City Council member Ernest Newton said, “This is a historic day in the City of Bridgeport and I could not have done this without the Mayor’s support. It is not easy when you come home and doors are shut in your face. It is not easy when you have children that you have to feed but you cannot find a job because of your past. So today, we are changing the game a little bit. If we live here, we deserve to work here. We have every right to have a job, not just ex-felons or returning citizens but residents of the City of Bridgeport should be given first consideration for any jobs that come through this city.”

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