Six Long Island businesswomen who are members of a networking group called Circle of Influence have created a special new circle they are calling “Circles of Life” to honor two of their members who have had breast cancer—Pam Shapiro of East Meadow, who is a vice president of sales at Hallmark Abstract Title Company, and Nancy Bauman of Bellmore, a travel agent with American Discount Cruises and Travel.
“Circles of Life” will be a work of art to be auctioned in March of 2017 to benefit the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program, where Shapiro is a member of the board. The event is called Creative Cups, wherein people take ordinary bras and decorate them, transforming them into art.
The six recently met at the Syosset home of Maryann Aidikoff, who is also a vice president of sales at Hallmark Abstract Title Company, to plan their Creative Cups submission. She pulled out boxes of beads from a previous jewelry-making business as the group discussed the design. Should there be actual circles, or a more abstract representation of circles? How about fabric from a dress with meaning to the two survivors, such as the bridesmaid dress that Shapiro wore when she was diagnosed in 2000? Or maternity clothes representing Bauman’s story? Bauman found a lump when she was in her ninth month of pregnancy in 1998. Nine days after giving birth she underwent surgery.
“Pam and Nancy inspired us,” says Gyll Sbrocchi of Melville, a senior loan officer for Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Others in the group are Stephanie Castro of Floral Park, who is the vice president at Signature Bank, and Michelle Krach of Deer Park, who is the ad operations manager at Newsday.
The purpose of Circle of Influence is for members to help each other in their work life—these six are taking the commitment even further.
Visit creativecups.adelphi.edu to sign up to make a Creative Cup or to become a sponsor.
