By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
That was the central theme of the 21st Annual Breast Cancer Alliance’s (BCA) luncheon and fashion show, where nearly 1,000 women (and a handful of men) united last Thursday under a pristine white tent at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in support of the fight against breast cancer.
Based in Greenwich, the BCA is the one of the most prominent, non-profit organizations dedicated to helping those affected by the pervasive disease, which affects 1 in 8 women.
The BCA’s most prestigious fundraiser of the year drew a crowd of effervescent supporters, resplendently dressed for the affair celebrating life, hope, and a better future outcome for those affected.
Many women were adorned in bright pink scarves, and some in pink dresses or tops; a few daring participants streaked pink highlights in their hair to show their support.
The scent of floral arrangements wafted throughout the colossal venue as guests mingled in support of one another and excitedly bid on silent auction items via their mobile phones to help raise money for research, and ultimately, a cure.
Auction items included a pink and white Misstyks Standup Paddle Board, a six-day stay at the Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua, and cancer survivor “necessity bags,” which serve as a toolkit for chemotherapy treatments, including a water bottle, headphones and a journal.
In support of the day’s “dancing in the rain” theme, each guest was given a pink umbrella attached with a gift card provided by Richard’s Department Store, the lead sponsor of the event.
This year’s emcee was Carson Kressley of the hit reality show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” whose witty and upbeat demeanor drew constant chuckles from the crowd—in particular for his friendly banter with keynote speaker William Baldwin, the actor, who shared his own mother’s battle with the disease and discussed the importance of helping those in need.
In support of his mother’s plight, the Baldwin’s founded the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund for which he serves as vice president.
Kressley, whose grandmother suffered from the disease, donated 20 percent of event sales from his autographed book, “Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big?” and Baldwin donated $5,000 to the organization.
Ticket sales from the event garnered over $1 million, and through auction items as well as their appeal, facilitated by Baldwin and Kressley during the event, the BCA raised over $1.3 million in total.
“Private philanthropy is the powerhouse behind the development of prevention and future cures for this disease,” said the executive director of the BCA, Yonnie Wattenmaker. “This is why we do this. To bring about a day when no one else needs to hear those 4 words: You have breast cancer.”
Since 1997, the BCA has awarded approximately $22 million in grants, trained future breast cancer surgeons and provided screenings and patient navigation for the underserved.
“The BCA has had a tremendous impact on this field and we have only just begun,” added Wattenmaker.
Perhaps the highlight of the event was the 12 breast cancer survivors transformed into runway models for the “celebration of life” fashion show.
While outfitted in designer duds provided by Richard’s, it was their bright smiles and triumphant cheers that showcased their pride—not only for their survivorship and zest for life, but for their drive to help educate others.
Breast cancer survivor and model Lorri Garnett, who was diagnosed at the age of 53 by a mammogram and ultrasound, had a strong message for the crowd: “I pray that sharing my journey will encourage some, educate others and give hope to those just embarking on their own journey.”
Another survivor and model, Ashley Phillips, who was diagnosed at age 38, shared her message as well: “You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
Tissues were passed while personal messages from each survivor were projected on the large video screens for all to see.
Following the celebration of life program, guests enjoyed an Oscar de la Renta fashion show, previewing 62 pieces from the designer’s new collection, over a lunch of chicken breast and garden salad, followed by a light dessert of perfectly displayed petit fours, which included mini cannolis filled with pink cream.
Empower the BCA to continue its pursuit of a cure by making a donation or volunteering at breastcanceralliance.org.
