Gov. Blagojevich announces applications now available for Ticket for the Cure Community Grants

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced Ticket for the Cure grant applications are now available for non-profit organizations to apply for funding that will support breast cancer education efforts and provide supportive services for breast cancer victims and their families.  Launched last January, Ticket for the Cure is the nation's first lottery ticket dedicated to helping fund breast cancer early detection, education, research, and patient services throughout the state.  So far, the ticket has raised more than $3 million to be awarded through community and research grants to support the fight against breast cancer.

 

"Thousands of women lose their battle with breast cancer every year, some because they were not aware of the importance of early detection," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "Ticket for the Cure raises awareness of breast cancer, not only through the game ticket itself, but also through the money raised by sales that fund education efforts."

 

Last year, Gov. Blagojevich signed the law initiated by state Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) and state Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create the Ticket for the Cure.  The ticket marks the first time in U.S. Lottery history that 100 percent of the proceeds will support programs and research initiatives to help diagnose and treat breast cancer.

 

Institutions and organizations based in Illinois with a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for and receive funds.  Net revenue from the sale of Ticket for the Cure will fund grants for research, education and supportive services.  A separate application for Ticket for the Cure grants to fund breast cancer research will be available later this month.

 

"We encourage applicants to think creatively about how to raise awareness about the risks of breast cancer; how to increase the number of women receiving mammograms; how we can boost options available to manage breast cancer and to better educate people about the services available for women with breast cancer," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health Director.

 

Net revenue from the sale of Ticket for the Cure is deposited into an interest bearing account in the State Treasury called the Ticket for the Cure Fund.  The Illinois General Assembly will appropriate this money solely to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which will award grants to public and private entities in Illinois.  The Ticket for the Cure Board, a special advisory board, will review and approve all grants funded by Ticket for the Cure revenue.

 

"The response to the Ticket for the Cure has been phenomenal," said Illinois Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams.  "We're all very excited to see the great sales we're experiencing translate into real outcomes for the fight against breast cancer."

 

Ticket for the Cure Community Grant applicants may apply for one of three program levels.

 

Services - Education and awareness, community outreach or supportive services

Examples -

Services - Education and awareness, community outreach, supportive services or social marketing campaign

Examples -

Services - Education and awareness, community outreach, supportive services, social marketing campaign or screenings

Examples -

"Ticket for the Cure has made it possible for Illinois community organizations to receive grants that will increase awareness about the risks of breast cancer and knowledge of options available to manage breast cancer," said Leonard Thomas, Chair of the "Ticket for the Cure" Board.  "As a breast cancer husband, I know firsthand how peer support and knowledge of this disease, and its treatment options, empowers the survivor and family."

 

The Ticket for the Cure Board in conjunction with IDPH will set parameters for governing the number and size of grants awarded based upon the amount of money generated each year through the sale of tickets.  The Board and IDPH anticipate awarding the first community grants in the spring of 2007. 

 

Community grant applications are available by calling the IDPH Office of Women's Health at 217-524-6088.  Applications will be due December 11, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. at the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health, 535 W. Jefferson St., 1^st Floor, Springfield, 62761.

 

For more information on the Ticket for the Cure please visit www.illinoislottery.com.

Women can find out how to get breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program by logging on to www.cancerscreeening.illinois.gov.  For more information on women's health and programs visit www.idph.state.il.us or call the Women's Health Line at 888-522-1282.  For TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 800-547-0466.