Survivors celebrated at 10th Pink Ribbon Celebration
By Rose King
The Grande Event Center was a sea of pink Tuesday for Compassion In Action’s 10th Annual Gala, The Pink Ribbon Celebration. Of the well over 500 attendees, more than 200 breast cancer survivors were given VIP treatment with champagne punch, appetizers and goodie bags in the Survivor Room before being ushered to their seats in the Grand Ballroom.
“The event began 10 years ago to honor breast cancer survivors and raise funds for the Compassion in Action fund and has grown each year since. It’s just amazing!” said Janine Mingie, founder of the organization and celebration. “This just wouldn’t be possible without an amazing team of volunteers, who meet and plan for months, table decorators who help make the ballroom so beautiful and the sponsorship from local businesses, media outlets and donors,”
Games, prizes, silent auction and raffles brought excitement while raising funds to help uninsured and under-insured women receive breast imaging and meet some of the unexpected financial needs that arise while patients are undergoing treatment.
Chris Blue headlined, bringing songs of encouragement and words of hope along with some hits from the past that brought the packed house to their feet. In addition to an energetic and inspirational show, he presented his Humanitarian Hero Award to Donna Smith who led her team to sponsor this year’s VIP Survivor Room.
“When Chris asked us for a nomination for the award, there was no doubt who our hero is,” said Mingie, “Donna works tirelessly all year long to raise money and help people through Compassion in Action. She also helps in nursing homes, volunteers with homeless and provides baskets for the homebound. She’s like a little stick of dynamite working and giving all over the community. She’s certainly one of my heroes!”
Contributions to Compassion in Action, a non-profit organization, can be made to Compassion in Action Corporation, 3201 Chantilly Drive, Knoxville, TN 37917. You may also find them on Facebook or online at www.pinkribboncelebration.com.
