March 30, 2017 – DALLAS, TX – Over 300 guests walked the pink carpet into an elegant and dazzling evening of art, inspirational words, and fundraising at the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) Art of Hope Gala, presented by Nature Nate’s Honey, at the Dallas Museum of Art on March 25th. NBCF’s premiere gala, in celebration of the organization’s 25 years, featured Former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush as keynote speaker. Mrs. Bush conveyed powerful words, humor, and passion to raise awareness and financial support for NBCF’s mission of Helping Women Now® to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. NBCF also delivers these services to women in sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to its partnership with Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon, an organization founded under the direction of the George W. Bush Institute.
A wonderland of pink-lit walls, orchids, and a brilliant, twinkling pink tree centerpiece, the Gala, planned by Katy Sky Group, featured an indoor/outdoor cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, music from the Unify Band and Serenata Strings, heartfelt speeches and videos, a surprise performance by Grammy ® Award-winning Potter’s House Choir, and exciting raffle packages. Emcee Janet St. James, the former WFAA-TV journalist diagnosed with breast cancer two years and one week earlier, delivered an emotional introduction, and artist Ro Diaz created an onsite painting during the event that was auctioned at the end of the evening. VIP ticketholders received an autographed copy of Mrs. Bush’s best-selling memoir, Spoken from the Heart, and the opportunity to meet her.
“We are proud to announce that NBCF has provided over one million services in its 25-year history,” remarked Janelle Hail, Co-founder and CEO of NBCF and a 37-year breast cancer survivor. She founded NBCF with her husband, Neal Hail. Today, NBCF provides help to those affected by breast cancer through its National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, Beyond the Shock online guide, Breast Health Education, Research with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats, and the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon program which provides breast health education as an extension of cervical cancer prevention to women living in parts of Africa.
Additional speakers included NBCF Board Director Lance Hamilton, NBCF COO Kevin Hail, and NBCF Development Director Ronald Brooks. Among the honored guests were executives from the event’s sponsoring partners, representatives of NBCF partner hospitals, and many longtime supporters and corporate partners.
About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc®:
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for twelve years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, Beyond The Shock®, breast health education, and research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org.