Three people hold an oversize check made out to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. On table in front of them are three large pink donuts and several smaller donuts in other colors.
Pastry sous chef Houstan Keasler, left; executive pastry chef Levi Richard, and Lori Willis, Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara executive director, at Chumash Casino Resort. (Courtesy photo) Credit: Courtesy photo

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians donated more than $12,600 to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Dec. 15 to help the nonprofit with breast cancer research and treatment.

The donation is part of the Chumash Casino Resort’s annual Project Pink campaign in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout October, the resort sold pink-colored snacks, sweets, specialty desserts and drinks in its various eateries, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the campaign.

This year’s sales totaled $6,331, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation matched that amount, dollar for dollar, resulting in a $12,662 donation to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. 

“We are so grateful to the Chumash Casino Resort and its employees for a successful Project Pink campaign and are honored to receive this financial gift,” said Matt Baumann, vice president of oncology, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. “These funds will allow us to become even more equipped during a challenging season as we advance breast cancer research and treatment, improving survival and quality of life for thousands of patients.

“We consider it a privilege to serve those facing a cancer diagnosis and are deeply touched when members of our community recognize this commitment and offer their support.” 

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, which is the main fundraising arm for Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, is dedicated to ensuring superior care for all residents of Santa Barbara County, regardless of means.

“We commend the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for their yearly commitment to the care of breast cancer patients from Santa Barbara County and beyond through their Project Pink campaign,” said Lori Willis, executive director for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. “These proceeds will be put right to work to support Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s programs and services which are essential to the treatment of breast cancer.” 

October’s Project Pink campaign was led by a team of chefs who recreated the familiar lineup of Project Pink sweets and debuted an assortment of new ones. The newest items making their debut this year included cherry matcha cake, pink velvet whoopie pie, and pistachio rosewater tart.

“Year after year, our hardworking food and beverage team demonstrates its dedication to shedding light on breast cancer awareness,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are proud to see these much-needed funds go toward improving the survival and quality of life of patients in Santa Barbara County.”  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer risks and the value of screening and early detection, while also raising funds for cancer research.

The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, in Santa Barbara and Solvang, focuses on being a regional destination for oncology services that ranks among the best major treatment centers, ensuring they deliver superior care to their patients, close to home, regardless of the means to pay.

For more information on the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, including how to donate, visit https://cfsb.org/giving-to-cfsb/give-now/.

For more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.