Pictured from left to right are Corinne Berger, marketing coordinator with Fred Beans; Tess Kemmerer, administrative assistant with Fred Beans; Andrea Volm, wellness coordinator with Fred Beans; Jessica Meakim, development manager for Unite for HER; Beth Beans Gilbert, vice president of Fred Beans; Barb Swan, corporate controller with Fred Beans; Kim Daub, accounting with Fred Beans; and Valerie Lopes, accounting with Fred Beans. Unite for HER is a national nonprofit with a strong local presence to support breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients by providing integrative therapies, services, education, resources and support at no personal cost. (Credit: Fred Beans)
For the second straight year, Fred Beans Automotive Group designated a portion of vehicle sales in October to Unite for HER. In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fred Beans dealerships aimed to sell cars and trucks to support the nonprofit that has a significant local impact on those diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers. The funds raised through the month-long campaign totaled $26,190, bringing the two-year donation from Beans to Unite for HER to just under $50,000.
Valerie Lopes, who works in accounting at Fred Beans, said she connected with Unite for HER during her breast cancer journey, finding strength and motivation to fight through it. She discovered the nonprofit through her sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time as her.
“To have great, strong women in one room to help you get through this awful disease is just priceless,” Lopes said. “I cannot thank the organization enough for helping me and other women feel supported and get strong again.”
Lopes helped present Fred Beans’ donation to Unite for HER this year. She joined many of her colleagues, including Vice President Beth Beans Gilbert.
“We always want our charitable giving to impact the communities we serve, and we are confident that we are doing just that by supporting Unite for HER,” said Gilbert. “We consistently hear from women how much they value the support they receive from this nonprofit to aid them in their fight against cancer. Valerie’s own testament further solidifies our commitment to this cause.”
Gilbert initially connected with Unite for HER at the recommendation of Stacie Crane, a valued partner of Beans who serves as sales operations manager with Volkswagen of America. Crane turned to Unite for HER after being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2020. She said support from the Unite for HER community and the many resources and therapies afforded by the nonprofit allow women (and men) to “fight gracefully.”
“We are so grateful for the support of Fred Beans and their leadership within the community where they live, work and play. Their commitment has been absolutely incredible, supporting those in need with such generosity. Their gift provides integrative therapies, services, and support to breast and ovarian cancer patients throughout the Philadelphia region and will change the lives of neighbors, customers, employees and friends. This year we will support more than 7,000 breast and ovarian cancer patients thanks to the support of partners like Fred Beans by our side,” said Sue Weldon, Unite for HER founder and CEO.
