The Slo Pitch Sports Grill donated $12,000 to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center from its annual fundraiser, according to a press release from the hospital.

Each year the business donates a day's receipts to a charity selected by its staff. On Nov. 5 and 6, supporters kept the restaurant busy, with some waiting more than an hour for a table. Several businesses also called in lunch orders.

The employees selected the cancer center this year in memory of people close to the Slo Pitch team who have recently lost their battle with the disease and those who continue to fight it.

WHATCOM PROJECT ACCESS CONNECTS WITH HEALTH CARE

Whatcom County resident Marie Tavis has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. She recently received much-needed medical care and calls herself "a grateful Whatcom Project Access client," according to a press release from the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access.

Whatcom Project Access is a program of the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access that links low-income, uninsured community members to donated specialty medical care.

"After many years of health problems, I needed major surgery but could not afford it. Without health insurance for many years and with very little work for our business, I did not know where to turn," Marie said.

"After surgery, I have a new start on life and I can start walking again, volunteering, and enjoying time with my granddaughters....I am so thankful for the help I received," Marie said.

Whatcom Project Access started in 2007 and is a partnership between the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access and the Whatcom County Medical Society. Local medical specialists have donated services to more than 750 patients who would otherwise not receive the care they need.

More than 80 percent (approximately 200) of Whatcom County specialists donate their time and services through the program, donating over $4 million dollars of care since the program began, according to the press release.

For more information about Whatcom Project Access, go to WAHA.org.

FERAL CAT AID PROGRAM GROWING

WeSNiP reports that its trap, neuter and return program for feral cats in Whatcom County has grown, thanks to help from "Friends for Life Canine Scholarship fund," the Washington Federation of Animal Control Agencies and Lois Wade of Creatures Comfort.

The organization spayed and neutered 178 feral or free-roaming cats in 2011. So far this year, they have provided the same aid to more than 600 cats.

BELLINGHAM COFFEE HOUSES HONORED

"Eclectic Coffee Spots in Puget Sound," a new book by Marsha Glazière, features a painting of The Woods Coffee and photos of the Black Drop and Lettered Streets coffee houses, according to a press release from its publisher.

Out and About is published on Mondays in The Bellingham Herald. Reach Executive Editor Julie Shirley at 360-715-2261 or julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com.