PINK & BLACK TIE GALA BEYOND COMPARE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Each of us has been touched in some way by the silent and yet deadly killer known as cancer. It challenges us to a grueling battle that cannot be won unless awareness becomes the top priority and finding a cure is the #1 mission.
This past Thursday evening, May 17th, in Brooklyn, New York at Steiner Studios, the 4th Annual Pink & Black Tie Gala was put on by the American Cancer Society. It was a means of celebrating the leaders and businesses “Made In Brooklyn”, raising money to go towards cancer research and highlighting those individuals that make a difference every day by helping others beat the odds.
Guests arrived to the event dressed in pink and black from sparkling pink gowns to strapless pink dresses to black lace to black halter gowns. Dress lengths varied and some women decided to wear a type of tuxedo suit outfit. Mix and mingle was the first order of business and a means of visiting the auction tables and bidding on all the diversified items available from 7-day luxurious trips around the world to exotic paintings to glistening jewelry and clothing to sports memorabilia.
All monies raised go to direct support services to Brooklyn cancer patients and their families as well as the American Cancer Society’s national life-saving research programs. The Brooklyn Office of the American Cancer Society will continue to meet the complex and challenging needs of more than 4,000 families in the borough facing cancer this year.
The Pink Carpet welcomed a host of important and prominent guests. Pure Fame Media Inc. had the special opportunity to interview many of the attendees. First on our list was Stacy London of TLC’s “What Not To Wear” who was dressed in a simple but lovely pinkish-peach gown with small middle slit, her long dark curly hair flowing over her shoulders. She was thrilled to be a part of the wonderful event once again and it made it even more meaningful being a Brooklyn native. She wants awareness to spread so that we may find a cure for this dreaded disease in our lifetime.
Everyone’s favorite talk host, Cat Greenleaf of “Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf”, set the trend for the evening in her black v-neck floor-length dress matched with sequined pink sneakers having no laces. The sneakers were a definite conversation piece and made the outfit but everyone knows that her sneakers are her trademark. Another Brooklyn resident, she was enthusiastic to be a part of this great event and welcomed guests on the Pink Carpet as they arrived.
The winner of the beauty makeover was a transformation of magnificent beauty and was admired from close as well as afar.
The animated auctioneer of the evening was none other than comedian, Chuck Nice, who was a perfect fit to get the audience going. He encouraged guests to reach into their pockets and support a cause worth every cent that can be raised. He has a magic of bringing fun and seriousness together with success being the end result.
Pure Fame Media Inc. also had the notable opportunity to interview New York City Comptroller, John Liu, who was attending the party on behalf of the Mayor’s office. He stressed that it is his wish to raise funds, continue to do research and find a cure to eradicate this problematic disease in our lifetime. It continues to take a toll on too many people.
A symbol and founder of the Mama Luke Movement, a foundation for raising money and awareness specifically geared towards the hip-hop community but reaching far and wide, Kangol Kid was in pink and black and complimented by his manager, exquisitely dressed, Shaunda Lumpkin, in a gorgeous pink and silver intricate satiny gown with flowing hemline. Shaunda has been touched too familiarly by cancer with the recent loss of her mother to breast cancer.
From the cocktail hour, the festivities moved on to the main event one floor below, the true tribute to the dedication and hard work of respected individuals, organizations and businesses. Contributions continued to come forth throughout the dinner and Chuck Nice put on the pressure to bid on unbelievable auction packages like a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa and India. The more that guests contributed, they were awarded pink and black balloons.
One of the most moving moments was the recognition of Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph, Assistant Professor of Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center and Director of Breast Services of the South Manhattan Network for the Health and Hospitals Corporation where she oversees breast surgery at Bellevue and Woodhull Hospitals. Dr. Joseph is young and energetic, passionate about her field and selfless in her efforts and is so committed to treating underserved women. She stands for strength in the face of adversity and Brooklyn is her home.
The Mama Luke Movement and Kangol Kid were paid tribute and awarded by a cancer champion himself, Paul Anthony of Full Force along with Bow-Legged Lou. It brings a warmness to your heart to know that good deeds make a difference and bring about wonderful change.
The honors continued throughout the night and coincidentally this heartwarming event took place on the evening of the announcement of Donna Summer’s death, a beautiful lady whose name was synonymous with disco and distinctive sound but who lost her fight against cancer.
Cancer continues to leave its mark infamously on the world but it is reassuring to know that events and organizations such as the Pink & Black Gala and The American Cancer Society continue to fight this disease on all fronts. They invest donations to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. It continues to be the largest non-government source of cancer funding with outstanding results.
Every major cancer breakthrough in the past 60 years can be traced to the society and 45 researchers funded early in their careers have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. I am confident that this delightful evening was a testament to their success in bringing people together for a common cause and raising thousands to finally get to the finish line and become victorious in the wage of war on cancer. Pure Fame Media Inc. was gracious that we could be a part of the evening and the event.
