Breast Cancer Alliance Celebrated VIRTUAL Luncheon & Fashion Show

Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) celebrated its First VIRTUAL Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show raising over $1 million.

On Monday, October 19th, Co-Chairs Karena Bailey, Ashley Bekton, Joy Gregory and Melissa Nisenson, in partnership with Yonni Wattenmaker, BCA Executive Director, Meg Russell, BCA President, and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, Richards. created a meaningful, fun and fashionable event. Despite the challenges the pandemic presented, pivoting this annual benefit to a completely virtual one, Breast Cancer Alliance still raised $ 1,000,000 for its 2021 grants.

This year's event began with a Memorial Tribute celebrating the life of one of BCA's Co-Founders and Past Presidents, Lucy Day, highlighting her unflagging commitment to finding the cure.

Scott Mitchell of Richards, a long-time partner in this event, opened the Live Auction with Lucy Day's favorite item, The Year of Shoes and went on to offer fabulous items donated by Carolina Herrera, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten.

The always anticipated Models of Inspiration Fashion Show brought 12 strong and radiant breast cancer survivors of different ages, race and religions to the digital runway. Showcasing Richard's stunning fall collection, this presentation of courage and glamour is always a highlight, epitomizing the success of BCA funding; innovative research, breast surgical fellowships and bringing access to care for those underserved.

Celebrity guest, actress Kate Walsh, in conversation with Reshma Gopaldas spoke of watching her mother battle the disease and supporting her through her journey. Ms. Gopaldas, a breast cancer survivor added "the generosity of donors directly improves lives."

"All of us know someone, love someone, are someone, affected by breast cancer." Said Wes Gordon, Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, as he introduced the elegant lively, saucy Collection for Summer 2021. Wes noted the long relationship Mrs. Herrera, who was in the audience at the very first BCA Luncheon and what an honor it is for him and Carolina Herrera to be able to support BCA once again.

Ms. Wattenmaker stressed that while the COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to "reimagine" life. the pandemic has only heightened fear and anxiety for the already stressful journey for breast cancer patients, and the rate of diagnoses in women is still one in eight. BCA will not waver in its commitment to raising essential funding, awareness and improving statistics for breast cancer.

Learn more => BreastCancerAlliance.org

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Submitted by Cos Cob, CT

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