WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The initiative began in 1999, when Associate Andy L’Heureux and another colleague
brainstormed ways to help women in the community access to mammograms. From
that conversation, the first Beekley Corporation Golf Tournament was born. The
inaugural tournament featured—just six teams made up of Beekley Corporation vendors
and has grown to over twenty teams annually, celebrating its 25 th year in 2025 and
raising over $600,000 to date.
In 2000, Arc Angel was created to provide financial support for under-insured women to
receive mammograms at the Bristol Hospital, expanding the impact of the organization
directly to those most in need.

Growing the Mission

To raise additional funds, Beekley Corporation introduced internal initiatives, including:

• Pay-for Dress-Down Fridays
• Department Gift Basket Raffles
• Superbowl Pool

These efforts strengthened employee involvement and expanded the mission’s reach.

Designer Handbag Bingo (DHB): Raising the Bar

By 2013, a community-wide event was needed to expand fundraising. Melissa Vibberts
launched Designer Handbag Bingo, with the vision of offering a unique fundraising
event focused on raising money for breast cancer initiatives, a memorable girl’s night
out with a sit-down dinner, in an elegant atmosphere at the DoubleTree ballroom, the
first event of its kind in Connecticut, attracting 305 attendees. Fully volunteer-run, DHB
quickly became a major fundraising initiative.

In 2022, Michelle Furrow, a breast cancer survivor, assumed leadership. Her personal
experience shaped a new focus for DHB and raised the bar with it’s focus on raising
money and honoring breast cancer survivors:

• Honoring survivors with complimentary tickets
• Creating a sisterhood of strength and support
• Building a supportive community for all attendees

In 2025, DHB celebrated its 11th year, raising over $290,000 since its inception.

Under Michelle’s leadership, DHB transformed into more than a fundraiser – it became
a celebration of resilience, compassion and connection among survivors, caregivers,
medical professional, and community members.

What Donations Have Achieved

Over the years, donations from the golf tournament, DHB, and employee-driven
initiatives have directly benefited the community in tangible ways:

Medical Equipment & Technology

• Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) machine and Bone density scanner for the
  Beekley Center for Breast Health and Wellness at Bristol Hospital -improving
  early detection and diagnostic care.

Community Support & Grants

• Are You Dense – education and advocacy for women with dense breast tissue
• Seymour Pink – financial assistance grants for Bristol and nearby residents
• UConn Health: Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center – funding for DigniCap
  systems to help chemotherapy patients manage hair loss.
• Connecticut Breast Health Initiative – supporting breast cancer research and
  statewide community programs.

Support for Patients

Care packages for newly diagnosed patients, providing comfort and practical help.

A Legacy of Compassion

From six golf teams in 1999 to a multi-event initiative in 2025, the organization has
evolved into a volunteer-driven mission that equips medical centers, supports patients,
honors caregivers, and strengthens breast-health programs throughout Connecticut.