About Bottoms Up
Our Mission
Do you or someone you know live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis? We're here to help! It's not simply a matter of finding a cure through research and education. It's essential to provide financial assistance to patients and their families who struggle daily to cover the many costs associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Just one infusion may cost upwards of $1,500 per copay, $20,000 per copay for the uninsured. Our mission is to establish funds within hospitals and physician offices to help patients and families with expenses associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis such as infusion copayments, prescription drugs, medical supplies, rent, utilities, and other essential needs.
Our History
Our founder and Avon, CT resident, Dawn Zavalishin established Bottoms Up in 2013 with the help of our amazing and dedicated Board of Directors. We received our 501c3 designation in 2018 and introduced our charity with the 1st Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Avon, CT. What better place! We believe in a grassroots approach and work within the local community with local businesses and proceeds benefit locally identified hospitals and physicians' offices who support our mission and goals.
Avon Events
We are proud to establish community-based events within Avon! As a matter of fact, our very first Bottoms Up event ever was right here in Avon, CT at Thompson Brook School back in 2018! We will be hosting our 5th annual Avon Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot taking place on November 24, 2022 with registration opening on September 1st! SWAG bags and finisher medals guaranteed for those who register before November 11th. A free health & fitness expo day of race, music, inflatables for the kids, and much more! Bring the family and some friends and start your Thanksgiving with us.
We are so proud to have made history with our largest community-based event in the amazing town of Avon on December 3-5, 2021. The Valley Press said it was a smashing success! So, why wouldn't we do it again!
Our 2nd annual Bottoms Up Avon Winterfest will take place December 1st and 2nd, 2023. A gathering of the community in a winter-themed venue hosted by Bottoms Up and with the help of the Town of Avon, local businesses and local residents and proceeds from these events will support the Bottoms Up Patient Family Support fund established at CT Children's as well as funds we hope to create at the Digestive Health Center within Hartford Hospital.
Local events - local businesses - proceeds support local hospitals and physician offices serving Avon and the surrounding communities!