10th Annual Pink Ribbon Celebration will honor breast cancer survivors

By Mike Steely

steelym@knoxfocus.com

The 10th annual Pink Ribbon Celebration will be held at the Grande Event Center just off Merchants Road Tuesday, October 30th and it looks like the event might be a sell-out.

The celebration offers an incredible evening for breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, physicians and caretakers. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5:45 p.m.

“Last year we had about 450 people attending and this year it looks even better,” said Janie Mingie, co-chair of the event. She and fellow co-chair Deborah Dunbar Mauldin are looking forward to seeing a great turnout with ticket proceeds going to the Compassion In Action Fund.

Breast cancer survivors will be treated to a special reception and gift bags from Fountain City Jewelers. All guests will receive a buffet dinner of grilled chicken, vegetables, salads, desserts, tea and coffee and a cash bar.

Comedian Leanne Morgan entertains as will Knoxville’s Chris Blue and Dee Dee Brogan. Mingie said that Blue’s brother, Julius Blue, and other friends will provide the music. Robin Wilhoit, WBIR News Anchor, and B97.5’s Michele Silva will emcee.

Compassion In Action began in 2009 to help uninsured and under insured women receive breast imaging. The fund has paid for mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast biopsies and breast MRIs. The fund also helps cancer patients who are in financial need and has made house payments and helped with utilities and cancer medications. The Pink Ribbon Celebration alone has raised nearly $200,000 for the fund.

Attendees will also find a silent auction with items donated by various businesses including Nothing To Fancy, Maple Hall, Sugarland Shines, Clancy’s Tavern, Painting With a Twist, Sweet Pea Gifts, Ripley’s, Elkmont Exchange, Ron Fleener, Devereaux Bedding, Hollywood Wax Museum, Baba Lu, Riverstone Spa, Pure Lux Salon, Gettysvue Golf, Enix Jewelers, Balter Beerworks, Keurig, Vol Shop, Boyd’s Jig & Reel, Solarte’ Collections, Zoo Knoxville, Oak Haven Spa, Wilderness at the Smokies, and Fountain City Jewelers.

The Knoxville Focus is proud to join WBIR and B97.5 as sponsors of the very important celebration.

Anyone wanting tickets may call (865)333-4939. Tickets are $60 and all breast cancer survivors are admitted at no charge. You can find additional information on the Pink Ribbon Celebration’s Facebook page or on the internet at www.pinkribboncelebration.com/event.  Parking is free and tickets may still be available.

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