NATCHEZ — October is almost here and members of the Edna B. and Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. is getting ready to raise their voices, their teacups and funds to combat the disease.

The foundation is hosting a tea party titled “Hats and Gloves with Tea on the Mississippi” at 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Natchez Grand Hotel, during which attendees will hear local performers Charles Powell and Tema Larry pay tribute to the “queen of soul,” Aretha Franklin, said founder and CEO Joyce Washington Ivery.

Tickets are $25 each.

“Tema has a voice that is amazing,” Ivery said. “Powell will be playing an array of music, some from Aretha Franklin and several from other genres.”

Ivery said attendees have the option to wear their best hats and gloves for a chance to win audience-judged competitions and participate in a silent auction for a wide variety of goodies. Ivery said 100 percent of the money raised would help locals with insufficient medical insurance receive free mammograms.

“You’re helping to save a life,” Ivery said. “It’s amazing the number of women who don’t feel the urgency of getting a mammogram once a year, and I’ve been in conversations with women who’ve said, ‘I know I need this, but I can’t afford it.’”

Ivery said her strong desire to support this cause stems from her own survival of breast cancer. Early detection saved her life, Ivery said.

“I am a 29-year survivor,” she said. “In my fifth year, I wanted to do something to help others like me.”

Ivery said her foundation has provided nearly 100 free mammograms and 27 sonograms to women who needed further treatment. The foundation also provides cleaning supply donations four times a year to the Hope House in New Orleans, where women receiving cancer treatment can receive free housing, Ivery said.

The foundation also has a support group called “Sisters in Touch” that meets the second Monday of each month at the American Cancer Society in New Orleans.

“Our support group has lasted for 24 years,” Ivery said. “When we started, there were five women attending. … Now we have 30 members and an average of 17 women who attend every month. … Support groups don’t usually last that long. God has directed my footsteps.”