Hats Off to Health Raises A Million

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Susan Thorkelson and Nancy Turner of Rye were not afraid to walk the runway at the 16th Annual Hats Off to Health benefit luncheon and fashion show in Greenwich last October. 

The Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) 16th annual Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show, Hats Off to Health, wowed over 700 guests who gathered to support breast cancer research, outreach and education programs. The luncheon, held on October 27 at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, raised nearly $1 million.

Sister Joan Magnetti, Executive Director of the Cathedral Education Center in Bridgeport, former headmistress of the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, and a breast cancer survivor, kicked off the festivities by introducing her friend and fellow survivor Cokie Roberts, the day's guest speaker.

Ms. Roberts, commentator and analyst for ABC News and National Public Radio, acknowledged the challenges of living with breast cancer and the continuing need for active involvement in women's health issues. As she pointed out, "Tamoxifen, targeted radiation, and other advances came from people speaking out and demanding progress. Advocacy matters!" 

BCA President Debbie Black welcomed the crowd with an account of the organization's achievements this year and an invitation to participate in the coming year's site visits to the institutions and organizations the BCA funds. Executive Director Yonni Wattenmaker encouraged the audience to enjoy the day and congratulated them on the remarkable contributions they make to the fight against breast cancer.

 This year's fabulous live auction to raise funds for breast health services for under- and uninsured women, really excited the crowd. Susan Boolbol, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery atBeth Israel Medical Center and a member of the BCA Medical Advisory Board, spoke about the remarkable impact of the BCA-funded breast surgery fellowships, which allow surgeons to receive specialized training in breast surgery, thus providing a higher standard of care to thousands of women with breast cancer. Dr. Boolbol and auctioneer Scott Mitchell exhorted attendees to wave their hats and bid for the two prizes: an eight-day all inclusive luxurious vacation in India and a year's worth of shoes from Richards of Greenwich for two grateful bidders. The popular raffle drawing also produced 15 happy winners.

The day's highlight, as always, was the fashion show, underwritten by partner Mitchells/Richards. Luxe styles from Escada, Valentino, Loro Piana, Bruno Cucinelli and more set the tone for an elegant fall season. Deafening applause rang out as the final models - all breast cancer survivors - took to the runways, walking proudly and fashionably with their supporters to end the show. 

Benefit co-chairs Patricia Burns and Amanda Davis, whose hard work made the day possible, offered their thanks to the audience and reminded them of why their generosity matters, saying, "Our hats are off to the people in this room who are making it easier for women and men to confront this disease and overcome it. We are proud of the BCA's role in funding research and services that will make that fight easier for everyone, and we are grateful for your unwavering support for this organization."

Founded in Greenwich in 1996, the Breast Cancer Alliance is the fourth largest private non-corporate organization providing funds for breast cancer research in the United States. The Alliance has awarded over $15 million for research, education and outreach programs.