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DOWAGIAC — Three Dowagiac specialty shops are teaming up Saturday to support Breast Cancer Awareness, as they accept donations for Borgess Lee Hospital Foundations’ Tree of Love Campaign.

Donations will be accepted at Cottage Gallery, The Marshall Shoppe and Rosy Tomorrows. Cathy Franz-Burczyk, owner of The Marshall Shoppe, which launched the in-store event 14 years ago, invited her colleagues Claudia Zebell, owner of Rosy Tomorrows, and Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery, to join her efforts this year.

“Claudia and I are honored and thrilled to join hands with Cathy,” Phillipson said. “We all know someone who is fighting breast cancer or another form of cancer. As we stand by our friends or family in this fight, we often feel helpless – wanting so much to ease their pain – though not knowing how. Saturday’s event provides each of us – and our customers – with a way to make a difference.”

“Borgess Lee Hospital Foundation’s Tree of Love Campaign funds life-saving services for those who cannot afford them,” said Beth Cripe, hospital development officer.

“Donations provide mammograms and other breast health services for the uninsured and underinsured, who are served in Cass County by our hospital Beacon Dowagiac. The campaign allows donors to make a contribution in honor of a loved one, with their donation lighting a bulb on the Tree of Love, located on Division Street between Farr Park and the hospital, which will be lit up in pink this December.”

At The Marshall Shoppe, customers who make a $10 cash donation to the hospital will receive 20 percent off fall fashions and an additional 50 percent off clearance. The first 10 customers, who make a donation and spend $100, will receive an extra gift from Cathy with their purchase. The Marshall Shoppe is also hosting a Rachel Marie Trunk Show, featuring a special necklace and bracelet for Saturday’s breast cancer event.

At both Cottage Gallery and Rosy Tomorrows, customers will receive 10 percent off anything pink Saturday. The two specialty shops also stock encouragement items for those fighting breast cancer. At Rosy Tomorrows customers will find Breast Cancer Awareness hats.

On Saturday Cottage Gallery will introduce Bellflower Girl, an inspirational greeting card line, showcasing beautiful quotes, vintage photographs and the watercolor art of its owner Rebecca.

“This merchandise line is simply perfect for Cottage Gallery, where we showcase all things pretty and pink, along with inspirational gifts,” Phillipson said. “What drew me to

Bellflower Girl was its cards of encouragement for those fighting breast cancer. The watercolor-designed cards are feminine, delicate and filled with sentiments of encouragement.”

At Bellflower Girl, Rebecca loves documenting the big moments in life and celebrating everyday – those ordinary run-of-the-mill days where dreams and memories blend together.

“Rebecca will be making a donation to the Tree of Love on behalf of Bellflower Girl, and her dearest and closest friend, Judy, who passed away from ovarian cancer two and a half years ago,” Phillipson said. “Eighteen years earlier, like so many, Judy’s fight started with breast cancer.”

Donations accepted at the three shops should be in the form of cash or check, payable to Borgess Lee Hospital Foundation with Tree of Love noted on the check.