Power In Pink Honors Raises Money Setting the Stage For Susan G. Komen Success

At the “Power in Pink Honors,” held May 11 at Admirals Cove, an additional $10,000 was raised, as the organization’s volunteers, top donors, sponsors and fundraisers were thanked in grand style. The incoming Board of Directors and the 2018 Race Chair were also announced. Leading the evening, Mistress of Ceremonies Tania Rogers of WPTV NewsChannel 5 reflected upon Komen’s impact.

“This past year, the Affiliate participated in 62 community outreach events, which encompassed speaking events, health fairs and distribution of education materials to organizations, 15 third-party events and 12 Rally for the Cure events,” Rogers said. “I am happy to announce that our Affiliate’s revenue for the past fiscal year was over $1.246 million. In 2016-2017, Komen South Florida provided 10grant awards, totaling $569,342 in Patient Care and Education/Navigation services.”

The event highlights – the award winners – included two recipients, who were announced that night: Sandi Gropper, a survivor who received the Mary Booher Volunteerism Award; and Heather Laughlin, who received the Eleanor Goodman Spirit Award. 

– Cosmo DiSchino -President’s Award 

– Bettye Hodges – Office Volunteer of the Year

– Bear Lakes Country Club – Komen Cup

– North Palm Beach Country Club Ladies’ Tennis – Komen Plate

– WPTV, iHeart Radio and The Palm Beach Post – Media Award

– Jay Riegelhaupt – Heavy Lift Award

– Tonya Hicks-Brown and the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy – Outstanding Community Partner

– Holly Lee – New Volunteer of the Year

– Melanie Hill – Top Fundraiser

– Kathy Lashin (Pink Passionistas) and John Cali (Par for Pink Golf Tournament) – Special Events

– Lynn Levy, Mari Hoover-McGarry and Francine and Robert Staiman – More than Pink

Another special highlight of the event was when the new board members took the stage for their official installation and swearing in by Rogers. Jill Weiss, Stacey Mullins, Laughlin, Amy Siegel Oran, Claudia Mason and Kelly White individually committed their time and talents to Komen’s advancement. The normally serious occasion was marked with jokes and laughter.

The “Power in Pink Honors” closed with new Race Chair Weiss sharing her survival story and inviting guests to give during the Call to Action.

“I was the one in eight who is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Weiss said. “And I do this important work to provide the resources that were available to me during myfight to others who are not as fortunate.”

Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing thedisease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Komen was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen South Florida is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, Komen South Florida has invested over $11.6 million in community breast healthprograms in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties and has helped contribute to the more than $920 million invested globally in research.