Bosom Buddies Charities celebrated two decades of regional cancer support on Saturday evening, Oct. 3, 2026, hosting more than 200 attendees at The Westin Annapolis for the annual Bosom Buddies Ball. Chair Claudia Boldyga opened the evening by telling the ballroom that the all-volunteer organization functions as a dedicated community ensuring patients never face their medical journeys alone.
The milestone event marked the first time the formal gala was scheduled during October, which is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women in evening gowns and men in tuxedos filled the room for a program centered on the theme “Legacy of Love,” honoring the work of the late founder Susan Ponchock of Kent Island.
Reflecting on the organization’s roots, former Bay Times newspaper reporter Doug Bishop recalled meeting Ponchock 20 years ago. Bishop described her as possessing a polite yet forceful sense of commitment, noting that her resolute attitude made it clear she would tolerate no obstacles in the mission to help patients.
During its early years, the ball took place at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville. Ponchock established the charity to serve women on the Eastern Shore battling breast cancer, focusing specifically on those lacking insurance or the means to travel across the bridge for care. Her efforts directly secured a state-of-the-art mammography machine located at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Stevensville, before the organization expanded its geographic reach and offered medical field scholarships.
Two Decades of Financial and Community Impact
As leadership eventually transitioned and the event moved to Annapolis to accommodate a broader group of supporters, the charity’s financial footprint expanded. Boldyga reported that Bosom Buddies has raised $3.87 million over the past 20 years.
Founding board member Angelina DiDonato shared memories of early fundraising efforts, telling the audience that it took three years to pay off the purchase of that initial mammography machine. Current board members also presented testimonials from local organizations detailing how the financial assistance directly aids individuals affected by breast cancer.
Tributes during the program highlighted key leaders who sustained the organization. Boldyga recognized Joan Hozick for her dedication and acknowledged former Bosom Buddies Chair Biana Arentz, who served in that position for eight years. Arentz, who attended the first ball and has never missed one, reflected on the milestone alongside her daughter Elizabeth, who attended Saturday evening’s event.
Milestone Recognitions and Longtime Supporters
Jean Berry of Kent Island, who joined the board in 2009 and served on the anniversary committee, attended the evening with her husband, Tom. Berry noted the dedication of the current board, praising their ability to raise funds effectively.
The formal program concluded with a surprise presentation for Boldyga. Fellow board members awarded her a specially designed trophy named the “Legacy of Love Award,” drawing a standing ovation from the ballroom crowd.
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