California patients benefit from game of bingo
There is a place in Northern California where playing a game of chance will earn you not only a good time, but possibly net thousands of dollars to donate toward improving the health of your community.
The PDL Youth Foundation was established in 2011 by Stockton Winners Bingo in Stockton, California, where it uses a portion of its bingo winnings to make philanthropic donations to causes they choose across the greater San Joaquin Valley.
The PDL Youth Foundation have been enthusiastic supporters of Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center Stockton since 2021, according to Julie Cantrall, the Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at St. Joseph's Foundation of San Joaquin, the nonprofit foundation that supports St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
“This is one way for us to support our community and to let them know we see them and we care about them,” she said. “And we have a great time doing it!”
In October 2022, the bingo group dedicated a portion of its winnings to make a $20,000 donation in support of the hospital’s cancer institute, specifically the Pink Fund.
The Pink Fund includes a wide range of activities that help improve prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Funds were recently used to purchase a breast imaging system that will improve biopsy outcomes. Funds have also been used to purchase gas cards for patients who have transportation barriers interfering with their treatment.
Destiny Rivas, the CEO of the PDL Youth Foundation, said its members are grateful for an opportunity to give back and to learn about how their gift impacts patients and families navigating cancer prevention and treatment.
“This is one way for us to support our community and to let them know we see them and we care about them,” she said. “And we have a great time doing it!”
While attending the check presentation, Julie had the opportunity to connect with patients and employees of St. Joseph's Medical Center and St. Joseph's Cancer Institute and to acknowledge the PDL Youth Foundation for their contribution.
“I want to thank the bingo players for making a donation to our breast cancer fund which we lovingly call the Pink Fund. The Pink Fund really allows us to make a difference for patients in need,” she said. “St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute provides a range of cancer treatment and support services and our team of specialists truly walk our patients through their cancer journey.”
St. Joseph's Cancer Institute is dedicated to delivering high quality, compassionate care to Stockton and nearby communities. This includes specialty services for women’s health, featuring the Women's Imaging Center, an imaging and radiology center that offers many services, including three-dimensional mammography and tomosynthesis, digital mammography, and breast ultrasound. The Pink Fund benefits this program and is fully supported by the philanthropic generosity of the surrounding community.
