Photo: Melissa Wolfe
One of the biggest events on the Cayman social calendar, the annual Breast Cancer Gala Dinner, will take place on Saturday, 16 October. The event, which will be hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, serves as the most important fundraising and awareness event for breast cancer in the Cayman Islands.
The ‘pink tie’ event will feature a three course dinner, as well as a live and silent auction to raise funds for the newly established Breast Cancer Foundation. The auctions will include a wide variety of items and services from local business, including a Cartier handbag, a Vespa scooter, Waterford Crystal and a luxury boat charter among other items.
As in the past, the event will feature a combination of great food, inspirational speakers and wonderful entertainment. The guest speaker and headlining entertainer at this year’s event will be Barbara Padilla, noted soprano and cancer survivor.
Barbara’s inspirational story started in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she spent her formative years studying music. Wanting to share her love of music with others, she studied to become a music instructor. However, during her time at college she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy, which it was feared could end her musical career before it had even begun to take off, as there was a chance the chemotherapy could damage her vocal chords.
During a visit to Texas for a medical consultation, she auditioned at the Moore’s School of Music at the University of Texas. She received a scholarship and completed her Master’s Degree at the college while fighting cancer.
Barbara’s amazing story was far from done as she made her name in the 2009 series of America’s Got Talent where she finished as the runner up and has been in great demand as a performer and speaker ever since.
The Breast Cancer Gala is now in its third year, even though it was originally intended as a one-off fundraiser. However, the response to the inaugural event was such that the organisers decided to make it an annual event.
All funds raised by the event will go toward supporting the breast cancer initiatives of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens.
“Despite the very difficult economy and tough business conditions, we have continued to receive tremendous support from both past and new sponsors, as well as the community. This heartfelt outpouring of support for this great cause shows the resolve of the Cayman community to make a difference and do their part to help with the enormous need that we have locally,” says Kim Lund, director of the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Breast Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organisation registered with the Cayman Islands Government. The foundation was established to provide financial support to several local charities working in the field of breast cancer education and providing aid for treatment costs. WH
Tickets are available for CI$175 per person
and can be reserved by calling 949-4822.
For more information on the event visit breastcancergala.ky