The Breast Cancer Resource Center in Princeton held it’s 8th Annual In the Pink fashion show last Friday. The evening seemed like five events combined into one big party. It was fun, educational, and most of all, inspiring!
VIP Pink Carpet Champagne Reception
Sponsors were invited to a pre-event reception from 5 – 6 PM offering a chance to gather in a private seated room in the Westin. Fruit, cheese, crackers, etc. were served as well as champagne. The room was beautifully decorated by Lord & Taylor of the Quakerbridge Mall. VIPs were given special swag bags with pink scarves with a repeating pink ribbon logo tied on them.
Reception and Silent Auction
This reception was open to all guests 6 – 7:30 PM. There was a cash bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and an antipasto buffet in the foyer, as well as 100 silent auction items nicely displayed on tables.
Welcome Remarks and Survivor Story
All were greeted, and survivor Jan Papas Gramer shared her poignant story, which cemented the reason why we were all there.
Fashion Show and Live Auction
The auctioneer Jim D’Ovidio was lively and very entertaining. I think they were able to raise a good amount from the live auction. BCRC Director Kara Stephenson was helping in the crowd to keep things flowing.
The fashion show was wonderful. This portion of the evening was more than just survivors, their family and doctors walking the runway in fabulous fall collections from local retailers. Thanks to emcee and survivor, Karen Jezierny, we got to hear the back stories of each model.
Breast cancer has been an ongoing learning experience for me, and I try to be there to listen and support others with inspiration, encouragement, or information as needed. ~ Lenora Kandiner, 14-year, two-time survivor.
Jezierny was truly masterful at giving vignettes of each person’s journey, including that of a male survivor.
I never thought about breast cancer before I was diagnosed. Now of course I encourage all men to get checked when they have their annual physical ~ Joe Procaccini, 9-year survivor and supporter of wife Mary Ann
It can be difficult for those for whom English is their second language to go through treatment. The BCRC has support groups in a few languages to help the international community.
We Latinas face many language and cultural barriers when diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope my Angeles Rosados support group can help others navigate the journey. ~ Olga Barrio, 5-year survivor
As for the fashion of the show, there were casual and business wear strutted along the catwalk, and let me tell you, some of the models hammed it up just enough to get the crowd roaring! The finale showcased formal wear, which impressed everyone. It was fantastic to survivors wearing such stunning pieces. Hats off to the fashion show coordinator Gabrielle Kline! At the end, the models tossed pink roses out to the audience. The clothing combined with Karen Jezierny’s commentary sprinkled with the right amount of humor, and DJ Mindee Star playing top hits, gave this evening the perfect flair.
There was a centerpiece contest, and guests could purchase them, with proceeds benefiting BCRC. Princeton Radiology offered a purple chocolate stiletto to those who donated $75, plus they would give a free mammogram to a woman in need.
To top it off, there was a raffle, and one of the prizes were a pair of tickets to a Nets game! And there was a 50/50 raffle. Attendees received a swag bag, and were given a cupcake upon leaving.
Just because all of the fun is over, doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to give. Donations to the BCRC are always welcome. Just make sure you don’t miss the amazing benefit next year by marking your calendar for September 2013 as a reminder to buy tickets in advance!