For 25 years October has been the official National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As the horrific cancer continues to claim lives in monstrous numbers – according to The American Cancer Society in 2010, 207, 090 cases were found in women and there were 38, 940 deaths – people and organizations all around the Tampa Bay Area rally to raise awareness and funding for research. Find out what's going on in your area and join forces with your community to help beat this fatal disease.
Through the end of October: Soho Leisure Group
For the entire month of October, Soho Leisure Group offers drink specials at all of its locations in an effort to raise money for Tampa General Hospital's Saints and Sisters Foundation. Head to Cheap, Hyde Park Cafe or The Kennedy, purchase a $7 Pink Ribbon cocktail, and receive a commemorative cup. You can also “Drink Pink” all night for $5! Proceeds directly benefit Saints and Sisters. How can you say no to that?
Soho also collaborates with Ed Hardy, hosting three Pink Dress Parties, the last one being held at The Kennedy. With a $5 donation at the door, attendees receive a glass of Ed Hardy Champagne. Drink specials are the same as above, plus there's a raffle and other fun activities! If you wanted an excuse to dress from head to toe in pink, here it is. Pink Dress Party, Friday, Oct. 22, $5 donation at the door and $5 all you can drink, 10 p.m., The Kennedy, 2408 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-259-9669. October Drink Specials: The Kennedy; Hyde Park Cafe, 1806 W. Platt St., Tampa, 33606, 813-254-2233; Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-258-5878.
Saturday, Oct. 23: International Academy of Art and Design's IMAGINE 2010 Show
This 25th annual show includes a design expo and fashion runway show. It features 250 professional designs created by 50 IADT students and alumni, and draws on styles from the punk movement to resort wear to cocktail attire. For this event, IADT partnered with local St. Pete non-profit My Hope Chest, which raises money for breast reconstruction for uninsured breast cancer survivors. Expo at 5 p.m., runway show at 8 p.m., $25 regular, $50 VIP, (cash only the night of the event), The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 813-889-3400.
Saturday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 30: 2010 Suzie Q Blitz Build for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Build for the cure! In memory of Suzanne Hastings, the late wife of a Habitat for Humanity crew leader, the Tampa organization along with volunteers build a home in just seven days. Proceeds go to the Moffitt Cancer Center. 8 a.m., $50, includes meal, t-shirt and refreshments, must be 16+, Grant Park, Tampa, 813-239-2242.
Wednesday, Oct. 27: Pink and Blue for Two (PB42) at Busch Gardens
This event raises awareness and funds for both breast cancer and prostate cancer. It takes place at the Moroccan-theme Desert Grill at Busch Gardens and entertainment is provided by … wait for it … Olivia Newton-John, who has lived with breast cancer for 18 years. The event was founded by the actress/singer's nephew, Emerson Newton-John. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Moffitt Cancer Center, as well as Olivia Newton-John's up-and-coming Cancer and Wellness Center in Melbourne, Australia. Ticket holders can enjoy an open bar with top-shelf liquor provided by GREY GOOSE. So grease up those shoes, or hair, or whatever it is you do to look spiffy and enjoy this special event. Private meet and greet with Olivia Newton-John, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., event from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., tickets are $150 per person and must be purchased in advance (Pictured right: Olivia Newton John at first PB42 event in Miami last April, photo from www.pb42.com)
Friday, Oct. 29: Save the Ta-Ta’s Benefit at Bo-Tiki
Attend a fun fundraiser for Oncology of St. Petersburg, featuring raffles, live artists, author and book signings, and special items for sale. All proceeds benefit breast cancer care and research. 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., 3015 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-498-8757.
Saturday, Oct. 30: Tucc' O Ween at Cheap
Don't have Halloween plans? Well, here's an idea: dress up for a good cause … and have a blast too. This sixth annual event, which raises money for Tampa General Hospital breast cancer research, includes drink specials, door gifts, party supplies, a red carpet/paparazzi entrance, a costume contest, music by DJ Gravity and more! 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., advance tickets are $10/ladies and $15/men, tickets at the door are $15/ladies and $20/men, Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-258-5878.
Saturday, Oct. 30: My Hope Chest's first annual Boooobie Ball
My Hope Chest, a nonprofit that raises money to provide uninsured breast cancer survivors the opportunity to get reconstruction, puts on a disco party at the St. Pete's Treasure Island Yacht & Tennis Club. Boogie Wonder Band, a 10-piece band that plays cover songs from the '70s, performs. 7 p.m.-midnight. The club is at 400 Treasure Island Causeway Treasure Island. Tickets are $50. Order online at the event page.
This article appears in Oct 14-20, 2010.