NEIGHBORS

Theris wins in letter to the editor contest

A letter by resident Niko Theris has been chosen as the winner of a Letter to the Editor competition held by American Atheists Inc. The letter, “Non-religious want tolerance,” was published in the Sept. 7 issue of the Coastline Pilot.

Theris has been invited to the American Atheists convention in Minneapolis March 20-23 to be presented with an award plaque. He will read the letter to the convention at its banquet dinner where Richard Dawkins will be the keynote speaker. The letter will also be published in American Atheist magazine.

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Collins joins Beckstrand board

Resident Patty Collins has been appointed to the board of directors of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation.

Collins will help raise awareness of the nonprofit and carry out its mission to improve the quality of life of patients and their families, assist with fundraising efforts, and have a hand in the planning of the foundation’s annual gala event, The Diamond & Pearl Ball, in October.

Collins was introduced to the Beckstrand organization after her daughter, Andi, passed away from cancer. After seeing firsthand the hardship the disease can cause a family, she wanted to join an organization that provides financial and emotional assistance. In addition to sitting on the board, Collins’ daughter, Lauren, initiated Beckstrand’s “Four Pearls,” an auxiliary of Beckstrand, for young professionals and corporations to get philanthropically involved and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

“I hope to share with the community the wonderful efforts of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation and motivate others to contribute to such a worthy cause,” Collins said. “No other charity does what they do.”

For more information about Beckstrand Cancer Foundation or to learn how to get involved, visit www.Beckstrand.org.