Each attendee received a lobster with accouterments such as artichokes, potatoes, corn and shrimp. According to Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation President Barbara Rigdon, the event’s goal was to make $50,000 overall. Foundation members have exceeded that goal but are still tallying accrued funds. Photo courtesy of Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual “Under the Valley Moon” lobster charity dinner on Aug. 23 drew more than 200 attendees to support breast cancer patients across Solano County.

The dinner was held at Bella Vista Farms, 7106 Rio Dixon Road, and featured a traditional lobster feed and shrimp boil, with guests dining family-style at long tables as steaming pots of lobster, shrimp, artichokes, potatoes and more were offered.

This event is one of the main fundraisers to support the organization’s goals, according to Breast Cancer Foundation President Barbara Rigdon.

“All of our funding comes from donations and this event is the main funder,” said Rigdon. “Around 97% of proceeds go directly to support individuals fighting breast cancer. We are totally nonprofit and totally volunteer. Everything that goes in comes back out. Our goal was to raise around $50,000. We exceeded our goal but are still counting.”

This year’s location, Bella Vista Farms, was chosen for its accessibility and capacity to accommodate the growing number of guests. The event featured a traditional lobster feed and shrimp boil, with guests dining family-style at long tables covered in butcher paper. Photo courtesy of Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation

Founded in 2004 by two breast cancer survivors who saw a need for financial support among patients, Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation has since grown into a countywide support system offering direct assistance and education. The dinner began as a small gathering of friends and evolved into the foundation’s primary annual fundraiser.

This year’s location, Bella Vista Farms, was chosen for its accessibility and capacity to accommodate the growing number of guests.

“We started looking in January,” said Rigdon. “After speaking to the owners, we loved the setup. It’s a very easy place to get to.”

Event proceeds help the foundation cover essential costs for breast cancer patients, including medical co-pays, transportation and temporary housing. In just the last six weeks, the group has supported three Dixon women.

Rigdon, a 22-year cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of community awareness and early contact with the foundation.

“Unfortunately, we tend to get people when they are already in crisis,” said Rigdon. “Our goal is to take the immediate financial concern off their plate.”

The Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation hosted its annual “Under the Valley Moon” lobster charity dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 23. Held at Bella Vista Farms, 7106 Rio Dixon Road, the event drew more than 200 attendees. Foundation president Barbara Rigdon (right) considers the event the organization’s main fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Barbara Rigdon

The Solano Midnight Sun Breast Cancer Foundation also sponsors free mammograms for underinsured individuals and has sponsored more than 1,000 mammograms in eight years. According to Rigdon, mammograms cost between $300 and $500.

The foundation also offers year-round support through its board of six volunteers. Local businesses have also contributed, including Recology, whose “Pink Toter” trash bin program raised $12,000 this year.

“If you want an easy way to help, rent a pink toter from Recology. It is $200 a year and we get 100% of the proceeds. One of our goals this year is to increase the amount of pink toters in Dixon,” Rigdon said.

Residents interested in volunteering or donating or want more information can visit online solanomidnightsun.org or email Rigdon at [email protected].

“We can't stop breast cancer but we can make life easier for those fighting it,” Rigdon said.