Boston fundraiser backs Dana-Farber cancer care

A Boston event on July 18 will turn bingo, raffles and designer handbags into donations for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The fundraiser was created by Dana-Farber patient Julie Fry, who says the night is meant to support the research and care she depends on.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser will send proceeds to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping support cancer research and patient care. - Julie Fry built the event around her own treatment experience, turning a personal cancer battle into a public fundraising effort. - The event also offers sponsored tickets for cancer patients and caregivers, extending access beyond standard admission.

What happened: - Designer Purse Bingo for the Jimmy Fund is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd. in Boston. - The event is open to the public for guests 21 and older. - Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, and bingo starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. - Tickets can be purchased at designer purse bingo and through tickets and donations.

The details: - Guests will play bingo for designer handbags and can also enter raffles and bid in a silent auction. - Ticket prices are $50 for an individual, $350 for a table of 8, and $500 to sponsor a table for cancer patients and caregivers. - The event’s prize list includes Coach, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Dooney & Bourke bags. - Other prizes include a Drake Maye autographed framed photo, a Mason Lohrei autographed hockey puck, Boston Red Sox tickets and a framed autographed photo of Zack Kelly. - Gift baskets from L’Occitane, Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works and Beach Comber are also listed. - Julie Fry said the event reflects what she learned during almost five years of treatment for stage 4 endometrial cancer: care is costly, and support matters. - Fry is founder and organizer of Designer Purse Bingo and founder of Gentreo.

Between the lines: - The event uses a familiar social format — bingo — to lower the barrier to giving and broaden participation. - Designer handbag prizes and local sports memorabilia are meant to widen appeal beyond traditional charity donors. - Fry’s story gives the fundraiser a personal anchor that can help drive attendance and donations. - Media are invited to attend, and Fry is available for interviews before and during the event.

What's next: - Organizers are selling tickets now and continuing to add prizes to the raffle and auction list. - The fundraiser will serve as both a one-night event and a platform to raise awareness for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. - More information is available at the event website and Julie Fry’s story.