Fundraiser benefits local Women's Health Center

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Wall Township resident Sharon Watt has donated $2,117 to the Women's Health Center at CentraState Medical Center. The gift was generated through a fundraising event honoring women that Watt, 27, hosted last month as an assignment for a professional/personal-development course, and represents the contributions of more than 50 area women.

"Each student was asked to generate a community project that 'inspires, touches or moves yourself and others,' " said Watt, a speech therapist in Eatontown. "I wanted my project to affect women in my life and in the community, and I've always been drawn to making a difference in women's health."

According to a press release, that inspired her to conceive of the event she named Bellas, which is Italian for beautiful women.

Watt invited women who have made a difference in her life - several of whom helped plan and execute the event as well - and asked each to invite a remarkable woman in their life. Guests made a donation to attend the event, and additional funds were generated through a silent auction. Watt said she hopes Bellas will become an annual event to raise money for a local foundation of the host's choice that positively impacts women's health and wellness.

She chose CentraState as the beneficiary in part because of her aunt's positive experience undergoing radiation therapy there for breast cancer. A native of Howell whose parents still live there, Watt said she also wanted "to donate to a local health provider that provides valuable services to area women."

"We are deeply gratified to be the recipient of this generous gift," said Ellen Graber, breast health specialist, Women's Health Center. "Everyone here is tremendously impressed with Sharon's initiative in launching the Bellas event, and we applaud her special focus on women's health and wellness."

The Women's Health Center features an all-female staff providing mammography, bone densitometry, stereotactic needle biopsy and breast needle localization using the latest technology and procedures.