Giant steps forward: The third annual Leap of Faith surpassed its fundraising goal by 20 percent, thanks to enthusiastic community support and volunteers’ inspired efforts. The event’s proceeds, which total more than $225,000 since its inception, benefit the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center and enhance Alta Bates Summit’s services for breast cancer patients and their families.

“We’re getting closer to the breast center being completed, and reaching our goal is near,” says Darlene Ayers-Johnson, executive director of Friends of Faith, which joined the Alta Bates Summit Foundation as one of the co-hosts of the June 1 festivities at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Oakland. “The center will be a valuable community asset and a tribute to Faith Fancher and others who’ve battled breast cancer.”

Fancher, a former KTVU-TV news reporter, tirelessly crusaded for early detection of breast cancer and improved access to cancer screening, treatment, and services. She drew strength in her last years from the compassionate care she received at Alta Bates Summit.

“Leap of Faith is a great event and helps realize Faith’s dreams,” says Ayers-Johnson. “We’re looking forward to broadening our base of support in the cancer community and even greater success next year.”