Shelton Woman Earns a Volunteer of the Year Award by The SWIM

St. Vincent’s Foundation/SWIM Across the Sound recently awarded two women, known as they dynamic duo at The SWIM, with the Volunteer of the Year Award for their impact on breast cancer programs ans services. Lucie Gribok of Shelton and Diane Mercado of Monroe recently received the awards because of the influence they have had on hundreds of breast cancer patients and their families battling the challenges of cancer.

Lucie Gribok and Diane Mercado are the co-chairs of our annual Breast Cancer Luncheon and Dinner. In 23 years of doing this event they have helped raise over $2 million for breast cancer patients and their families. Diane and Lucie’s commitment is unwavering and they work tirelessly beginning in the summer for this annual October event held during national breast cancer awareness month. They have a very active volunteer committee that assists them and they work hard every year to make this annual luncheon/dinner one the SWIM’s premier events.

“Lucie Gribok and Diane Mercado are our Breast Cancer Heroines,” stated Lyn McCarthy, Executive Director of St. Vincent’s Foundation/SWIM Across the Sound. “Lucie and Diane are the heart and soul of these programs and we are so grateful for their passion and leadership to help many families facing breast cancer,” McCarthy added.

Lucie Gribok is a two-time breast cancer survivor and has been involved as a committee member for over 10 years. Two years ago, when the long-time co-chair stepped down, Lucie was the first choice to replace her. Because of Lucie’s dedication and commitment, she was asked to serve alongside Diane, and she accepted without a moment’s hesitation. Lucie has also been responsible for soliciting donors for the beautiful centerpieces, “The Flowers of Faith”. They are purchased in “Memory of” or in “Honor of” and Lucie helps raise between $5,000 and $10,000 each year on centerpieces alone.

Diane Mercado has been involved for 19 years starting as a committee member then taking on the role of co-chair. In the early years of the luncheon, we did not have a silent auction and Diane suggested we have one to help raise more money to help more people. The chair at that time said “Diane, if you want it, you own it”. That she did and has organized it ever since with approximately 130 donated auction items each year, raising close to $12,000 annually simply for the auction. It is a labor of love for her.