The Signature Annual Telfair Mammography Fund event raised $265,924

The 2026 St. Joseph’s/Candler SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo raised $265,924 for the Telfair Mammography Fund through proceeds and donations.

Over the past 24 years, the SmartWomen event has raised over $2.8 million!

In our region, approximately 20 percent of women are uninsured or underinsured. Our goal is to ensure that every woman has access to mammography and other breast health services, even if they have no insurance or high deductibles or copays.

“Any woman in need of a life-saving mammograms should not go without one. SmartWomen is a signature event that helps to replenish the Telfair Mammography Fund, which removes financial barriers for hundreds of women. And the annual success of this event is only achieved through the ceaseless support of the sponsors, community members and the resolute network of women who selflessly lead this effort. We thank every single person and organization who contributed to and supported this critical initiative,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler.

SmartWomen Committee Chair Dana Whitfield also acknowledged the countless people involved in the event’s success.

“This year’s event happened a bit earlier than in years past, which helped launch breast cancer awareness month. The community once again showed up in droves to support this cause and we could not be more grateful. From the dozens of vendors to the hundreds of sponsors as well as the committee and volunteers, we thank everyone for their generosity of spirit as much as for their financial giving,” Whitfield said.

The 2026 SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Savannah Convention Center with 1560 people in attendance. The expo also had 80 vendors and attracted 105 sponsors, including: Presenting Sponsor Chatham Parkway Lexus and Hilton Head Lexus; Speaker Sponsor Savannah Chatham Imaging; Platinum Sponsors the Colonial Group, Inc., Genetech, and Healthfuse; and New Survivor Celebration Wall Sponsor Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Jepson, Jr.

In addition to securing raffle tickets for the Diamond Dig giveaway, signing a Pink Lexus and perusing the eclectic wares of the vendors, luncheon attendees got to hear from keynote speaker Patricia Heaton. The Emmy Award-winning actress, best-selling author and committed philanthropist, shared how her faith helped guide her career path, which didn’t follow a typical Hollywood backstory.

“The event left people inspired by the idea that we’re not alone as we face some of life’s toughest challenges. We all need a little help along the way and that’s where family, friends and our communities come in. St. Joseph's/Candler’s Telfair Mammography Fund is also often a helping hand or supportive shoulder, empowering women to get screened and educated along their breast health journeys,” said St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations Executive Director Vernice Rackett.

Past years’ luncheons have featured notable women such as Stacy London, Laila Ali, Marie Osmond, Soledad O’Brien, Vicki Lawrence, Taya Kyle, Jane Seymour, Anne Burrell, Fran Drescher, Amy Grant, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Marilu Henner, Joan Lunden, Giuliana Rancic, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Olympia Dukakis, Ellen Burstyn, Peggy Fleming, Ivana Trump, Erin Brockovich, Suze Orman and author Mary Kay Andrews.