To Life! Celebrates Successes at Annual Pink Ball
SARATOGA SPRINGS – To Life!’s premier fundraising event, the Pink Ball, was held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the Hall of Springs. This elegant black-tie event celebrated survivorship, honors members of the community dedicated to supporting women and families dealing with breast cancer, and provides the resources necessary to continue To Life!’s ongoing mission:
“To educate our community about breast cancer detection, treatments and related health matters; and provide support services to breast cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends.
Breast cancer is one of the most personal diagnoses an individual can ever face, which means it’s often one of the most difficult to talk about. That lack of conversation creates a gap in education and support; at time of diagnosis, during treatment and after treatment.
To Life! exists to fill the gap; to pick up where the doctors leave off. To create the conversation that leads to more informed decisions about treatment and an improved understanding of the diagnosis; to build real connections.
– Source: tolife.org
In honor of the organization’s 20th year, To Life! recognized past awardees as Shining Stars: Rufus Collea, M.D., The Smith/Murphy Family, James and Megan Morrell, Lisa Morahan, Saratoga Hospital, Richard MacDowell, M.D., Joseph Bell, M.D., Turbine Services Ltd., Michele Riggi, Eileen Guarino, Leslie LaGuardia Valencia, Alex H. Frank, M.D., Lance I. Hellman, M.D., Chrissy Goodness.
To Life! also announced a special tribute to longtime supporter, advisor and board member, Cynthia Shenker, who passed away earlier this year.
“We celebrate the educational and support network that underscores a better quality of life and we celebrate the individuals and businesses that provide the bedrock of support for our organization.” says Mara Ginsberg, To Life’s founder and president. This year, The Pink Ball also honored Ms. Ginsberg on her 60th birthday.
Mara founded To Life! in October 1998 with a mission to educate the local community about breast cancer detection, treatments and related health matters, and provide support services to breast cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends. In these first 20 years, 10,000 Capital Region residents have attended To Life! educational programs, 5,300 have utilized the boutique services and 4,400 have attended the support programs.
This year’s Pink Ball Mistress of Ceremonies was Nicol Lally, WTEN News Anchor and included live and silent auctions, as well as live music by Body and Soul, a New York Players Band.
GALLERY: PINK BALL
Photos by Cathy Duffy
To learn more, visit this LINK.
Arthur Gonick
November 3, 2018
