August 6, 2011 marked a special day for the Concerned Women of the Grove (CWOG), which marked their 16th year of fighting breast cancer. The high ceiling of clouds held for the length of the afternoon party, held in its traditional location at Heaven ‘n’ Earth.
Following the line of bright pink ribbons, we were greeted at the door by Lucille Flora and when I arrived she was ably assisted by a winsome assistant with excellent taste in jewelry. The Marketplace area was staffed by Susan Freedner, Anita Auricchio and SharonWeinberg. Great bargains included pet toys and supplies, watches jewelry, the return of breast cancer socks from Down Under, donated by Aussie Sue Rayson, and the directors of “GLAY” were seen costume shopping amongst the lovely selection of scarves.
Representatives from Gilda's Club NYC and the Stony Brook Center for Breast Cancer Research spoke eloquently of what CWOG's support has meant to the success of their programs. Gilda's Club supports the emotional needs of cancer patients and Stony Brook continues to find more targeted less invasive treatments while getting closer and closer to a cure.
This year's Silent Auction featured wine, spa and sporting goods baskets, evenings out ranging from theatre tickets to dinners to sporting events, art, photography and this year's guitar was signed by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart and was a hotly contested item.
Donna Piranha hosted the show that featured Coach Beast, Bella reprising her wildly popular number from the Doctor's Show; and the resplendent Mary Ooh Fah. The ever gracious Donna brought the Sweet 16 Committee to the stage to thank them for all their work. This year’s benefit raised approximately $60,000 for Gilda’s Club and Stony Brook and, over the past 16 years, this dedicated group has raised nearly one million dollars within Cherry Grove with this and the supporting events.
Congratulations, CWOG, on another magnificent event! Cherry Grove is with you, until there's a cure.