Raising money for those in need
In the past month I've been blessed with the opportunity to attend two very special events, both very different but each equally moving with a common goal, to raise awareness and money for those of us affected by breast cancer.
The first fundraiser I attended was hosted by Pampered and Pink, a small community based organization dedicated to supporting women affected by breast cancer via their core four events held throughout the year.
Led by their dynamic and passionate founder, Harlem, NY native Amber Nobles, Pampered and Pink provides straight up grass roots, real time support via signature events during the year. They are:
- Spring Wellness Fair
- Summertime Beauty Bash
- Pampered and Pink Signature fundraising event
- Chemo Care Package Giveaway
My best friend had alerted me to Pampered and Pink's Summertime Beauty Bash in 2015. Although I wasn't able to attend (my own chemo treatment had me down for the count). the idea of an organization, committed to making a difference in my community definitely intrigued me.
I had a chance to have a quick chat with Amber at the wonderfully haughty Sip For a Cause, high tea gathering, held in NYC's upper west side. Inspired by the courage of her late sister Tswana Lin Saunders, who succumbed to Inflammatory Breast Cancer in 2008, Amber decided that she wanted to bring awareness and education to her community regarding the various types of breast cancer. Amber wanted Pampered and Pink's events to provide a fun, insightful, comfortable, educational and uplifting experience for those effected by this deadly disease. We all know, first impression's are lasting ones, and I definitely had a wonderful time, chatting with providers, peers and Amber's family, who where in the house, supporting Pampered and Pink and having a grand ole time!
The Founder of Pampered and Pink - Amber & Me
Hi Tea baby.....
Guests were instructed to slip into their Sunday best, put on that finest hat, and be ready to mix and mingle. Ladies were treated to an assortment of cookies, finger sandwiches and a savory arrangement of teas, while taking in the inspiring message of keynote speaker and motivational maven Janice Saunders. Lastly, the ladies were encouraged to strut their stuffvia an impromptu fashion show, competing for best overall outfit and hat. Although I didn't win, Amber commented that my attire gave off a serious Audrey Hepburn vibe, and I was totally okay with that.
The ladies, lunching, laughing and loving!
July 16th 2016, please support their event at the Ralph Lauren Center.
For more information about Pampered and Pink and to have a chance to support their upcoming Summer Beauty bash on July 16th, 2016 at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in NYC, feel free to click on the link below.
Finally, I was honored to be invited to one of the most fantastic fundraising events of the year, the Young Survivors Coalition's In Living Pink, The Art of Survival, held at the swanky event space Three Sixty in Tribeca.
Now YSC came onto my radar after joining a group of fellow survivors at the American Breast Cancer's annual fundraising walk in October. The group I had teamed up with were all young, witty, scrappy, savvy breast cancer survivors who alerted me to YSC's existence. I vowed to investigate YSC's offerings once I completed my breast reconstruction.
Fast forward several month later and the commitment I've made to keep my blog informative, I felt the need to reach out to YSC and find out what makes this organization so special. Lo and behold after taking a look at YSC's web site, I realized why the young women I had walked with, recommended making contact. YSC is equivalent to a one stop shop for young women under the age of 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and are seeking education, advice, advocacy and a community. YSC offers a plethora of supports for young women who are attempting to navigate the challenging, confusing, scary and oftentimes overwhelming job of managing a breast cancer diagnosis.
The sense of achievement, compassion, humor and pride were on full display during the event. In Living Pink, the Art of Survival presented a important opportunity for artists to showcase their work, stakeholders to assess and reinvest in the programs that make YSC so unique and for those being honored to relive their stories, one tear, one laugh at a time. I came away with a new found respect for my fellow warriors and sensed that despite the many hardships a breast cancer diagnosis can bring, YSC will continue to forge ahead, standing strong, arms outstretched in the middle of the battle field.
Art for Auction, YSC doing it big.
Yes! Three Sixty's dining room with a view at the YSC The Art of Survival's fundraiser
More art, I like this picture. Kicking cancer's ass!
The room was packed, sunset & drinks, what more could a crowd ask for.
More art up for sale, this picture was so regal.
I'm a happy gal, YSC knows how to throw a event!
Sponsor board, showcasing the funders for YSC's programs.
Beautiful, awesome sauce. YSC In Living Pink, The Art of Survival spring 2016 fundraiser and awards.
For more information about YSC, their services and how you can support, please click on the link below.