January 18th, 2012 
The Perfect Pink Party on Saturday January 14th was just that- perfect. Nancy Brinker, CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure flawlessly planned a very elegant gala this past Saturday evening, benefiting the cause to eradicate breast cancer. The event took place at Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Club, in Palm Beach, which was decorated in a sea of pink. Upon arrival, the friendly valet staff waited to greet us after the beautiful drive over the Royal Park Bridge, which was lit pink, the night prior in honor of this event. The turn into the resort was breathtaking. As I made my way to the front gate, large white flags adorning the iconic pink ribbon symbol lined the driveway.
Donald Trump, Nancy Brinker and Gov. Rick Scott (Photo Credit: Susan G. Komen for the Cure)
I was quickly escorted into the “pink and gold” room for their cocktail reception, complete with an open bar and wait staff walking around offering lamb chops, tuna tar-tar, and other delicious finger foods. The privileged guests were dressed for the pink occasion in lavish gowns, furs, and jewels—even the men were wearing tuxes with pink bow ties.
Prior to the welcome remarks and dinner, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the Master of Ceremonies, Michael Yo, celebrity correspondent for E! News, round table panelist for “Chelsea Lately”, Y100 radio host, and newest member of “Extra”. When asked to be the emcee of the Perfect Pink Party, Yo was honored. “My mom is a two time breast cancer survivor; once when I was 13 and again when I was 31. This really hits close to home.” Later in the evening his passion for the cure was made apparent when he gave his teary-eyed speech. “I know the harm it has on people. I know the effect it has on people. We’re going to be strong and we’re going to beat this.”
Master of Ceremonies Michael Yo (Photo Credit: Susan G. Komen for the Cure)
Once in the main ballroom, guests settled in their seats surrounded by flowing drapes, crystal chandeliers, large lampshade centerpieces, and pink up lighting, transforming the room into a pink paradise. Following Yo’s moving speech was Co-Chairwoman, Nicki Harris and Nancy Brinker. Brinker began her mission over 30 years ago, when she made a promise to her dying sister, Susan, to find a cure for breast cancer. She explains why this evening was so special to her and how the donations would impact hundreds of thousands of women’s lives. Brinker mentioned that most of the contributions made from the Perfect Pink Party would stay in the local community. She passionately stated, “We do this tonight because women should lead lives with dignity and not disease.”
Honorary Chairman, Governor Rick Scott gave his speech, fully supporting the cause and the benefits provided to women with breast cancer. Governor Scott said, “It’s having a positive influence across our state on those who can’t afford screenings.” He also added a touching comment on how much one person can make a huge difference in the world. “This is what’s great about America: One person can start something and it can have such a dramatic impact on the world… I just can’t imagine anybody who’s had a bigger impact in people’s individual lives than Nancy Brinker.”
Photo Credit: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Also in attendance was founding Chairwoman Patty Murray, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Grace Nelson. Cynthia Friedman and Nicki and Ira Harris co-chaired the event and Donald Trump served as the New York Ambassador.
The dinner was served to the soothing sounds provided by the Peter Graves Orchestra. Guests were treated to a royal first course meal of lump crab timbale and an avocado, mango, watermelon, cucumber crispy taro basil pudding. The entree to follow included sliced beef tenderloin, truffle whipped potatoes, and French bean bundle, with a side of a colorful vegetable medley bouquet. Before the auction began, the guests topped their meal off with a rich red velvet cake with vanilla ice cream and mixed berries.
Photo Credit: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Once the live auction was announced, the room’s energy was buzzing with excitement. The auctioneer, Thomas Quick rattled off the extravagant prizes donated by large contributors. A two night stay at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas and meet-and-greet with Celine Dion went for a cool $9,000. A four person pass to attend the 18th Annual American Airlines Celebrity Golf/Tennis weekend in California also went for $9,000. Other auctions included the Seabourn Mediterranean Cruise- $16,000; 4 tickets to the Celine Dion concert at the Mar-A-Lago- $10,000; Palm Beach Shopping Extravaganza- $11,000; and four hours of airtime on a Learjet 45- $20,000. The hot ticket item of the night, valued at $100,000, was a four-day sailing adventure to the beautiful waters of the Caribbean on a luxury motor charter yacht, which went for $85,000. The final auction of the evening was a Call to Care, a pyramid of 60 Lanson Pink Champagne bottles which each went for $1,000.
This year, organizers of the charity event said they met their goal and raised over $1 million. Funds will go to support Komen’s work in national research, with a quarter of it staying in the South Florida area.
Photo Credit: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
To fully comprehend the power of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, it has helped drive breast cancer mortality rates down by 31 percent since 1991. It has also improved five year survival rates for early stage breast cancer from 74 percent in 1982 to 99 percent today. Last year the Perfect Pink Party raised $850,000 for research. The Perfect Pink Party was one large step to completing Nancy Brinker’s promise to Susan over 30 years ago, to find a cure to end breast cancer forever.
To learn more about this powerful organization and the ways you can help get involved, click Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
