The Breast Cancer Foundation will host its sixth annual Breast Cancer Gala Dinner on Saturday, 5 October at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Sponsored in part by Cayman Airways, the gala was first held in 2008. Organisers Kim Lund and James Bovell of RE/MAX Cayman Islands recognised the need for financial support for breast cancer patients and survivors, and designated the Breast Cancer Gala Dinner as a premier fundraising event, which quickly became one of the most anticipated events of its kind on the island.

In addition to a champagne reception, dinner and live and silent auctions, guests of the pink-tie event will dance the night away to a live performance from the Wailers, the original band members of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley.

Celebrities are often guest speakers at the festivities, with reality stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic being last year’s special guests. Hoda Kotb is speaking for the second time at this year’s event. The television news anchor and co-host of the fourth hour of the “Today Show” alongside Kathie Lee Gifford is also a breast cancer survivor.

“Hoda first spoke at the Breast Cancer Gala Dinner in 2009,” says Heather McLaughlin, Chief Administrator for the Breast Cancer Foundation. “Her story was such an inspiration to the guests. She made each of them feel particularly special by taking the time to mingle with them all. Hoda’s charm and humility as a speaker and survivor led the Breast Cancer Foundation to ask her to become a patron of the event, which she gladly accepted.”

Corporate sponsorship and individual donations are an important part of funding for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Sponsorship is truly key in support of all the Breast Cancer Foundation endeavours,” she continues. “Each year fundraising has steadily increased – a sure sign that the community, too, recognises the need to contribute to such an important cause. This year we are hoping that our generous guests will break the record once again.”

The proceeds from the Breast Cancer Gala Dinner are used to provide financial support to several local charities in the Cayman Islands that work within the community to educate and bring awareness about the disease, as well as provide aid for treatment costs and assist with travel and accommodation expenses for patients needing to travel overseas for treatment. Some of the charities that will benefit this year include the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and Bosom Buddies.

Individuals are also able to make donations in a unique way by donating their Cayman Airways Sir Turtle Rewards frequent flyer miles to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Collectively, the miles are used to purchase Cayman Airways tickets for patients needing treatment at international facilities.

To donate your Cayman Airways Sir Turtle Rewards miles, visit caymanairways.com. For more information about the Breast Cancer Gala Dinner, visit breastcancerfoundation.ky.

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Published: Skies Magazine, September 2013