The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) is proud to announce a donation of $3,057.60 to The 3 Breastketeers, a local organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and helping Elk County cancer patients with transportation expenses during treatment. What began as a simple idea from an employee at the Elk Country Visitor Center turned into a successful fundraising effort that brought staff, creativity, and community support together for an important cause.
The initiative began when KECA employee Emily Mourer suggested creating a special breast cancer awareness merchandise line for the Visitor Center’s gift shop. With encouragement to develop the concept, Emily teamed up with KECA employee Eilla Bonanno and Todd Taylor, Field Director for KECA, to create the artwork and bring their vision to life.
Once the design was finalized, the Elk Country Store Manager, Jill Chiodo, worked with the USA vendor Tipsy, to make the finishing adjustments and produce four different merchandise lines. The response from visitors and supporters was overwhelming, with the products selling quickly and generating $3,057.60 to support local cancer patients.
“This is a wonderful example of what happens when our employees bring their creativity, compassion, and passion for helping others to the table,” said Chiodo. “What started as one employee’s idea became a team effort that allowed us to give back to individuals and families in our local community.”
Supporting a Local Organization Making a Difference
The 3 Breastketeers was founded by three lifelong friends, MaryLou Zuchelli, Chris Rieder, and Darlene Eckert, who were each diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of one another in 2018. All three underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, requiring frequent travel for medical care. Sadly, Chris lost her battle with breast cancer in 2019. The organization continues its work in her memory, helping other patients facing similar challenges. The organization’s mission is twofold: encourage women to schedule annual mammograms for early detection and provide gasoline gift cards to Elk County residents traveling to and from cancer treatments.
To date, The 3 Breastketeers has raised more than $230,000 to assist patients with transportation expenses. Gasoline gift cards are distributed through treatment facilities and directly to patients traveling to appointments in DuBois, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland, and other locations. KECA’s donation will help continue this important work, providing practical assistance and easing some of the financial burdens faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
A Gift Shop That Gives Back
Located in Benezette, Pennsylvania, the Elk Country Visitor Center welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually from across the United States and around the world. While visitors come to experience Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd and learn about the region’s natural resources, many also discover the unique shopping experience offered in the Visitor Center’s gift shop. The gift shop proudly features only American-made products and supports more than 100 local vendors, helping strengthen small businesses, artisans, and the regional economy. More importantly, purchases made at the Elk Country Visitor Center directly support the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and its mission to conserve and enhance Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for future generations.
KECA focuses on three primary mission priorities:
- Conservation Education: Inspiring visitors and students through educational experiences that promote wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, and an appreciation for Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
- Habitat Enhancement: Improving and maintaining wildlife habitat to benefit Pennsylvania’s elk herd and other native wildlife species.
- Permanent Land Protection: Protecting important lands and habitats to ensure Pennsylvania’s Elk Country remains a treasured natural resource for generations to come.
Revenue generated through the gift shop helps fund these important conservation efforts, demonstrating how everyday purchases can make a lasting difference. The breast cancer awareness fundraiser also highlights KECA’s commitment to supporting the communities surrounding Pennsylvania’s Elk Country.
“Although our primary mission focuses on conservation, we recognize that the strength of Elk Country comes from the people and communities who support it,” said Ben Porkolab, President & CEO of KECA. “We are proud that our gift shop can not only support American businesses and our conservation mission but also create opportunities to give back to those in need.”
Thank You to Our Community
KECA extends its appreciation to Jill, Emily, Eilla, Todd, and everyone who purchased merchandise in support of this special initiative. Their combined efforts demonstrate how a small idea can grow into something meaningful, making a real difference in the lives of local individuals and families. For more information about the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, the Elk Country Visitor Center, and ways to support conservation efforts, visit www.ExperienceElkCountry.com.
About the Keystone Elk Country Alliance
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for future generations. Through conservation education, habitat enhancement, and permanent land protection, KECA works to preserve the region’s natural resources and inspire future generations of conservationists. KECA operates the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.