Photo courtesy of Scott Goggins.
Pink Party
Last year’s Key to the Cure Pink Party committee included Ardith McMicken, Marian Phillips, Karen Lakanen, Michelle McMullen and Ashley Brook.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and the St. Vincent’s Foundation will once again host its annual “Key to the Cure” Pink Party.
Scott Goggins, corporate and community relations manager for the St. Vincent’s Foundation, said the event is a night to celebrate cancer survivors.
“This is a national campaign done by Saks Fifth Avenue stores all around the country,” he said. “It’s a great way to raise awareness, and the proceeds benefit the women’s cancer services and programs at St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center.”
Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit will be hosting current and former cancer patients who have been treated at St. Vincent’s. They will be the models in the fashion show that takes place at 7 p.m. Goggins said the experience is a treat for cancer patients.
“They love it,” Goggins said. “They get to Saks and pick out clothes and have a dress fitting.”
One of those former patients is Michelle McMullen. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2007, the now 44-year-old is cancer-free and said it means a lot to her to give back and make a difference to this cause.
“It’s a fun event, but it’s also philanthropy for breast cancer awareness,” McMullen said. “It’s more than a fun gathering. It’s a way to serve and a way to give back, and a way to help us help others and make a difference.”
McMullen has been involved in many aspects of the event, from selling tickets and modeling to being on the committee.
“I am a breast cancer survivor, and the money goes back to the Bruno Cancer Center. I give where I received,” she said.
Guests at the Pink Party can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, makeup consultations by Saks, health education stations and breast health information. There will also be door prize drawings, which will include a stay at a beachfront condo at Perdido Key.
This year’s sponsors include Pastry Art Bake Shoppe, Good People Brewing Company, Coca-Cola, Shindigs Catering, Catering by Ambrosia and Edgar’s Bakery.
The entire week of the Pink Party, a percentage of sales at Saks will go toward the cause. During Saks Fifth Avenue’s charity shopping weekend, 2 percent of participating vendor sales and 100 percent of the proceeds from the Key to the Cure signature T-shirts will be donated to the Bruno Cancer Center.
McMullen said her purpose now is to help reach out to other cancer patients, which in turn helps her.
“I believe life is a gift. Live every day to the fullest,” she said. “I’m grateful to share my experience to inspire others and give back.”
Tickets are available at stvhs.com/pinkparty or by phone at 838-6151, or they can be purchased the night of the event.
Key to the Cure Pink Party
- Thursday, Oct. 15
- 5-8 p.m.; Fashion Show begins at 7 p.m.
- Saks Fifth Avenue, The Summit
- Tickets: $50, includes a $15 Saks gift card
