The annual Hot Pink Party held last night by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) raised more than $11 million to further breast cancer research. Underlining the organization’s goal to eradicate breast cancer, the event, “Soaring to New Heights,” brought together supporters and advocates for an inspirational evening, therefore marking a major turning point in the mission of the group.
Evelyn Lauder launched the BCRF in 1993, and since then it has expanded to be the biggest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide, generating around a billion dollars. Reflecting on his mother’s lifetime impact, Evelyn’s son William P. Lauder accepted the Evelyn H. Lauder Spirit of Philanthropy Award. “My mother stays our compass,” Lauder said. “Nothing would make her happier than knowing that BCRF remains strong and has continued to grow from just eight researchers to over 250 researchers.”
The award underlined the BCRF’s ongoing influence on research and treatment developments as well as celebrating people, families, or businesses whose charitable activities significantly influence others.
Alongside Lauder, Marenda Hughes Taylor, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, was honored with the Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award. Kristen Manion Taylor, Delta’s Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service and a breast cancer survivor, presented the award to Hughes Taylor for her unwavering support during Manion Taylor’s diagnosis and treatment.
Elizabeth Hurley, a long-time campaigner of breast cancer awareness, was the host for the evening and a model. Inspired words from BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay and Scientific Director Larry Norton, M.D., stressing the advancement accomplished and the work left to be done, filled the evening. “We’re enjoying each other’s company, but we’re here to be the end of cancer,” Dr. Norton passionately told the audience. “We’re going to celebrate our accomplishments, but give ourselves the task of finishing the job of ridding the world of cancer. To use one of Evelyn’s favorite phrases, ‘We’re going to do it together.’”
The crowd was treated to a special show by Nile Rodgers & Chic after an emotional dinner. Their classic hits, like “Le Freak,” filled the room with energy. The goal for the evening was perfectly set off by the lively atmosphere, which mixed celebration with a strong dedication to the cause.
A lot of famous people came to the event, like workout star Cody Rigsby, supermodels Imaan Hammam and Karlie Kloss, and designer Vera Wang. As a co-chair of the event, Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of ELLE, worked with fashion icons Michael Kors, Aerin Lauder, and Donna Karan. They worked together to make the night a success, bringing together people from the fashion and charity worlds to support a common goal.
As the Hot Pink Party came to a close, the guests felt like they had a common goal. The money raised will help BCRF do study, which will give hope to millions of people around the world who have been affected by breast cancer. And as the group keeps working, Evelyn Lauder’s dream of a day when breast cancer is no longer a threat stays at the center of its goal.
