EXCLUSIVE: Date changing for Pink Ribbon Gala

The 2017 Pink Gala will be held Saturday, April 22, at the Saltbox Inn.
The 2017 Pink Gala will be held Saturday, April 22, at the Saltbox Inn.

COOKEVILLE – The Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation is changing the date to one of its signature events.

The Pink Gala, a fundraiser traditionally held in October, is making the move to spring. Organizers have scheduled this year’s black-tie event for 6-11 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Saltbox Inn.

The Gala is the second largest fundraiser the Foundation. Money raised benefits Pink Ribbon of Hope, a free mammogram program.

John Bell, Foundation executive director, said they moved the date as to not conflict with fall fundraising efforts from United Way, among other reasons.

The move is expected to be permanent.

“We’re trying to be respectful of United Way, which we partner with, and they asked folks to not to do any major fundraising for a couple months,” Bell told the UCBJ. “It’s a big fundraiser for us, so we’re encouraging folks to come out to the event, sponsor a table, and have fun.”

Tickets are $80 per person, $150 per couple or $600 per table of eight. Tickets are pre-sale only; there will be no sales at the door.

The Gala, Bell added, will feature a four-course meal, silent auction, patient testimonial, music and dancing. The presenting sponsor is Cumberland Imaging Associates.

Nearly 500 residents received free mammogram services in 2016 through the Pink Ribbon program. This is the Gala’s ninth year.

“Screenings are able to catch cancer in its early stages, when it can be more easily treated,” Bell said. “Yet many women are unable to afford life-saving mammograms through their own means. We rely on donations from strong community partners like Komen Upper Cumberland, and events like the Gala to fund the Pink Ribbon program.”

Planning committee members for this year’s event include Bell, Cheryl Moore, Lisa Bagci, Gloria Bell, Amanda Bain, Stephanie Jennings, Hannah Davis, Amy Ellis, Brenda Floeter, Elizabeth Kase, Judy Phillips, Amanda Scott, Tracy Galyean and Michelle Zellner.

To make a donation to Pink Ribbon, or to reserve a seat at the Gala, call (931) 783-2003 or visit www.CookevilleRegionalCharity.org

 

Liz Engel is the editor of the Upper Cumberland Business Journal. She can be reached at liz@ucbjournal.com

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