Gala supports Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
Delawareans braved the bitter cold wind Feb. 19 to attend the 8th Annual Southern Lights of Life gala at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center. This breast cancer fundraising event benefited the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s programs and services in Kent and Sussex counties.
Guests showed up dressed to impress - many in shades of pink. The evening started with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during a silent auction with close to 300 unique items donated by local businesses which ranged from gift certificates to salons to autographed sports memorabilia.
Guests were serenaded by Clarence “Smitty” Smith, a vocalist of On the Edge, a popular dance band from Salisbury, Md. Later in the evening, Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead singer of The Shirelles and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, took the stage. Reeves and her backup vocalists captivated the audience as they sang their hit songs including “Mama Said” and “Soldier Boy.”
The highlight of the night was when local breast cancer survivors took the stage in the fashion show. These 11 survivors modeled stunning gowns and suits supplied by local businesses. The fashion show was emceed by Miss Delaware Kayla Martell and former Mr. Delaware Chris Saltalamacchio.
The night culminated with a live auction with many enticing items such as an eight-day cruise for two down Europe’s Danube River; a pink baseball bat autographed by Phillies pitchers Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay; a one-week stay at a Fenwick Island beach house and more. One lucky guest went home with $3,000 worth of merchandise from Best Buy won during the night’s raffle.
The event was well attended by community members and DBCC’s partner organizations. The 2011 Southern Lights of Life was attended by 599 guests and raised more than $189,000 for DBCC’s programs and services, exceeding last year’s proceeds of $179,000.
“No other organization uses the money to support those in our own part of Delaware - exclusively,” said breast cancer survivor and DBCC volunteer Barbara McGowan. “The money stays where it is raised. When you support Southern Lights of Life, you support your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers who have been touched by breast cancer in your community.”
The proceeds from the 2011 Southern Lights of Life gala will be used to expand programs in Kent and Sussex counties which increase breast cancer awareness, provide access to mammograms and support programs for breast cancer survivors including the Peer Mentor Support program, Nurture with Nature, and Beginning Your Pink Ribbon Journey at the area’s cancer centers.
