I invite our readers to the third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

The luncheon will take place 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 15 in the ballroom at the Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. The cost for the luncheon is $25 per person or two for $40. Scholarships are available; please register by Friday.

Our honored guest speaker will be former Sen. Carol Jackson of White County. Entertainment will be provided by classical guitarist Brandon Dyke.

This program is sponsored by District 2 Public Health's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Hall County Men's Health Initiative, Hall County Cooperative Extension, Northeast Georgia Health Systems, American Cancer Society, The Longstreet Clinic and community volunteers.

Plan on coming at 11 a.m. to view the exhibits provided by area organizations and businesses. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on some wonderful gift baskets and donated items as well as a chance to win a lovely table decoration. The money raised will be used for local breast cancer treatment for those in need.

Many individuals in need of screening and diagnostic services for breast cancer lack the essential resources to deal with this crisis. To help those with limited resources, we have designed a special fundraising luncheon place mat that symbolizes people coming together to show support for this issue. Names of individuals will be printed on the place mats to remind us of those the disease has affected. For only $5 per name, individuals can remember family members, co-workers, friends and others who are special to them. The deadline to return the completed place mat form is Friday.

So invite a family member or friend to join you for a luncheon that will educate, entertain and make a difference to those in our community. Breast cancer survivors will receive special recognition. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends - the circle of caring and hope never ends.

Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.