2018 Luncheon Recap
I can’t believe we’ve done this for seven years in a row. The number seven itself stands out in my personal life. I have had seven surgeries within the last seven years due to breast cancer. Seven itself biblically means perfect and complete.
Valeda’s Hope 7th Pink and Pearls was more than pink and pearls. We honored 17 people this year including business women of the year, Megan Frank, Cfx, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of the year, Cheri Tillis, Father Support Center. Adrian Bracy, our mistress of ceremony also received Executive Director of the year award. Of course, we honored our 2018 breast cancer survivors. Dr. Jovita Oruwari received breast surgeon of the year, our clients absolutely love her. Dr. Melvin Maclin and Dr. Michael Scott Curtis received plastic surgeon award of the year. And, last but not least, Dr. Lannis Hall received radiation oncologist of the year.
Lunch was delicious — chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. Sweet tea was the beverage of choice. Dessert was provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes. The ambiance is always nice in the Ambassador Ballroom, Hilton Frontenac. And, our guests really enjoyed the live band featuring Tameka Dawn.
We danced, laughed, cried and we even got a chance to network and shop with the vendors. Paparazzi, Paintings by Ms. Rosemary, Valeda’s Hope, Siteman Cancer Center, Cedric Cobb, Best Pocket Square Holder, and many more. Of course, every woman received pearls, this is our signature ... Every woman deserve pearls. Let’s not talk about the seven foot pink christmas tree. Everyone loves the Christmas tree. And, everyone receives a gift —including the men that are in attendance.
The survivor stories were a eye-opener to the reality of breast cancer. Dr. Lannis Hall gave us more than what we needed to hear. St. Louis is #2 in the United States — where black women are dying at an alarming rate due to lack of resources and the fact that cancer is found in it’s late stages etc.
Valeda’s Hope will continue to win lives by providing “It’s Mammogram Monday”, mobile mammograms at the local library, Girlz Fit Night, Recliners for her, comfort items for her and Valeda’s Hope annual pink and pearls luncheon.
So until next time, don’t ignore anything that feels or seems abnormal, make and keep your mammogram appointment, ask questions, live, laugh, love, and pray. Keep going!!! You are winning whether you realize it or not. Count your blessings before you complain.
Xoxo,
Valeda Keys
If you weren’t able to join us this year, please mark your calendar and plan to celebrate with us next year at Valeda's Hope 8th Pink & Pearls Luncheon, on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Hilton Frontenac, 12p.m. to 3p.m. in St. Louis, MO.
Check out our recap of the day …
Click link above and enter password gala to view more photos from the event.