The Tribune

Pretty In Pink raised $17,000 for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas during its 11th Annual event held at John Bull’s flagship store, Bay Street.

Sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island, Coldwell Banker and John Bull, 200 guests dressed in pink to show support, walking the pink carpet and entering the store through an arbor of flowers to enjoy an evening dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors and to raise funds.

Guests enjoyed a raffle that included luxurious prizes donated by John Bull, pampering, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, personalised engraving on perfume bottles, a photo booth, music, fans, special discounts for the evening and handcrafted pastries as they shopped in aid of raising funds for the Cancer Society’s programme for Family Island women to receive breast cancer screenings.

This year the event expanded to include the David Yurman boutique, where refreshments were also served and a special raffle held.

Bahamian artist, Preston Hanna, donated a live art piece that he created at the event for a special raffle. In addition, he featured a few of his paintings donated a percentage of the sales to the Cancer Society.

Started in 2012, this was 11th year of the popular event (not held during COVID) that raises funds to assist the Cancer Society with family island breast screenings.

“We are so proud that Pretty In Pink is celebrating its eleventh year,” said Kelly Meister. “What started as a small event in 2012 has steadily grown in support and funds raised for this important cause.

“The idea came after my sister, Tracy Cartwright, lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 39. While in hospital, they held an event to support patients by teaching them how to look better after losing their hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows during chemotherapy.

“It was an uplifting experience. As President of The Inner Wheel Club at the time, along with member Heather Lightbourn-Cowper, we wanted to do something equally celebratory and helpful, so we created Pretty In Pink to raise funds during October for Breast Cancer Awareness. John Bull was quick to support this cause and the rest is history.

“The message of the evening and the importance of supporting breast cancer awareness is always the primary reason guests attend,” added Heather Lightbourn-Cowper.

“The Bahamas has an unusually high rate of breast cancer particularly hereditary breast cancer. Our goal is to raise funds to assist the Cancer Society with early detection. We sincerely thank Blue Lagoon Island, Coldwell Banker and John Bull for sponsoring this important fundraiser and to all who came out to support.”   

“Since corporate social responsibility is at the core of John Bull’s corporate culture; we were naturally delighted to provide the venue right at the start in support of this fundraising initiative and have continued to do so every year,” said Inga Bowleg, Chief Commercial Officer for John Bull Group of Companies.

“We definitely share the passion these ladies have for the CAUSE as the John Bull Group of Companies also supports the work of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.”

“We are very grateful to all who support Pretty In Pink as the funds support our work at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas with breast cancer screenings,” said Susan Roberts, Founder of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

“It’s also important to spread the word that early detection saves lives, and all who contributed to this event will help make a difference for many who will face the disease.”

Pretty in Pink will return in October 2027 and organisers are already planning a bigger event with new additions for guests to enjoy.