High Tea raise funds for women’s breast cancer genetics screening
July 18, 2011 6:50PM
Emily Grossfeld, Carli Lustig, Randi Lustig
Article Extras
Updated: October 25, 2011 12:30AM
Bright Pink’s fourth annual High Tea celebration at the Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct., was dedicated to mothers, sisters and friends who have been afflicted with breast and ovarian cancers, but the mood was anything but somber.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, more than 400 guests, many dressed in pink day dresses and dainty floral numbers, took tea and learned how they could protect themselves by getting tested for the BRCA genetic mutation that increases a woman’s chance of developing these two deadly diseases.
The ladies, and a few of the men who love them, supped scones and crustless sandwiches while listening to inspiring speeches from Bright Pink founder Lindsay Avner (who started the organization when she was just 23 years old and tested positive for the BRCA gene), and sisters Emily and Meredith Grossfeld, Latonia Baker and Kristina Hernandez, all of whom turned to the organization when they discovered they might be at heightened risk for the hereditary cancers.
Carolyn Brundage, founder of PrettyCity.com and longtime fund-raising partner of Bright Pink, was presented with the Bright Impact Award before Broadway actress Laurie Akers serenaded the crowd with a rendition of Rascal Flatts’ hit “I Won’t Let Go.”
But the afternoon did more than just inspire — it raised some serious funds, raking in more than $85,000 for the charity.
†††
Pups and their people were out for some summer fun Thursday night at Castaways Restaurant on North Avenue Beach for the ninth annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party. More than 400 humans and 100 of their furry friends enjoyed live music, beachy eats and cool cocktails while raising money for Chicagoland’s largest no-kill animal shelter.
Notable names among the crowd included PAWS founder Paula Fasseas, event presenting sponsors Bonnie and James Spurlock, Bruce and Deborah Crown, and US99.5 radio host Lisa Dent (who also acted as the evening’s emcee).
For partygoers of the four-legged variety, there was a treat buffet chock full of tasty temptations including turkey jerky and peanut butter ice cream as well as a “Pup Deck” play station with stuffed squirrels and bones for entertainment. People were not forgotten, as many snacked on hot dogs and chicken quesadillas while listening to an island-inspired band.
The event, chaired by Nancy and Ron Officer and Jim and Dawn O’Neal, raised just over $200,000 for PAWS Chicago.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment