50 Shades of Pink – A Great Blend of Dinner, Music, Dancing and Fundraising That Worked! By Christopher Annino

When Mary DeVizia, owner of Mary D Events, decided to put her creative touch on a special event to benefit the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, she magically created an evening to remember for all who attended, on Valentine’s Day at the Mystic Marriott. There were many highlights of the evening, from the great music by the band Sugar, to the table centerpieces which became centerpieces on a few heads during the evening, to the silent auction that held many desirable items. The best part was that the evening was hugely successful in raising over $8,500 that will go to cutting edge breast cancer research.

DeVizia is also the Executive Director of TBBCF, and when she accepted the position last year, she shared with the Foundation that she wanted to add in a few new events during the year to compliment the organization’s signature fundraising event, the Walk Across SE CT, which is always held on the first Saturday in October.

The business philosophy of TBBCF is best captured by the following quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Those who attended the event included some Foundation Board members, volunteers, friends from the business community, and more. With 50 Shades of Pink being the first time TBBCF has ventured into events so early in the year, the evening was a huge success. “I haven’t danced so much in over ten years,” said one happy gal. The dance floor was continually full, and of course, a few guys and gals had those centerpieces on their heads while dancing.

The feeling of ‘dance fever’ was equaled by the zeal with which people bid on items from the silent auction. There were items that offered overnight accommodations at well known locations both locally and in other parts of the country, paintings by well known artists, pieces of clothing and jewelry, several wine gift certificates, golf packages, restaurant certificates, tourism packages, and so much more, all to raise money for such a worthy and necessary organization. This became much more than an event, it united individuals for raising awareness and helping to vanquish this horrible disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer.                  1 in 8 U. S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Every year, there are over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer in women, and over 2,000 in men.  The state of CT has the second highest incidence of breast cancer in the nation! We all seem to know someone who has the disease, thus the commitment of hundreds to an organization that does so much.

By working at a grass roots level, with committed volunteers who have a proven track record in fundraising, and with the support of key sponsors, TBBCF devotes 100% of gross fundraising dollars directly to research. Those who donate will know exactly how and to whom their donation dollars are directed. And when raising funds involves such fun events like 50 Shades of Pink, you can be sure more people will get involved in this great organization.

For more information, please go to their website: www.tbbcf.org