Pink Tie Gala e-Journal

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Keeping Our Promise 2 0 2 3

Saturday, October 28, 2023 7 PM to 11 PM The Crystalview Fairfax, VA

Dear Friends,

A Message from Our President

As I sit down to pen this message, words might fall short, but my heart overflows with gratitude and admiration for each of you. The journey we've embarked upon is long and challenging, but tonight, looking at the sea of familiar and supportive faces, I am reminded of the strength of our collective spirit.

Your presence at our Pink Tie Gala is far more than just attendance. It's a declaration of commitment, a pledge of solidarity, and a heartfelt embrace of the cause we hold so dear. By choosing to be here, you aren't just attending an event; you are actively participating in the story of countless individuals fighting breast cancer, ensuring they never feel alone.

It is my profound honor and privilege to extend a special acknowledgment to our Master of Ceremony for the evening, Mr. Tony Perkins. Tony, your support our mission and the grace with which you steer this ship is invaluable. Your voice amplifies our message, and your spirit elevates our purpose. Thank you for standing alongside us this evening and elevating our Foundation on the radio and TV. The generous contribution from Mr. and Mrs. Stafford demands special mention. Your philanthropy is not just a financial gesture but a testament to the faith you have in our vision. Your generosity has been a beacon, guiding us towards achieving our goals. Your kindness is not just a gift, but an investment in our shared future, and it's one that we cherish deeply.

Every step we take, every fundraiser we organize, and every grant we provide is in line with a solemn promise – a promise we made to Donna. Our mission is not just to educate our community about breast cancer but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those warriors who face financial adversities during their treatment. It is because of your continued support that we can keep our promise to Donna and aid those in their time of utmost need.

As a proud member of the Alfred Street Baptist Church, their sponsorship of our Foundation fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Their tenets of community service resonate deeply with our foundation's vision, fortifying our joint commitment to positive change.

To our awe-inspiring Pink Tie Guys, you’ve epitomized determination by raising a staggering $49,758.00 in just 15 days. You are the embodiment of our Foundation's ethos and a shining example of the heights we can reach when united by purpose.

This Pink Tie Gala isn't just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our shared commitment. Our successes, big or small, are attributed to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support is not just about raising funds, but about lifting spirits, offering hope, and keeping the promise we made.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for walking this journey with us.

Sincerely,

Nardos E. King President, Donna M. Saunders Foundation

Message from the Gala Chair and Committee

Hello Friends,

On behalf of the Pink Tie Gala Committee, I would like to thank you for joining us tonight for the Pink Tie Gala. To our faithful supporters, and to those of you joining us for the first time, thank you for your confidence in the Donna M. Saunders Foundation, Inc. and for your generosity; we could not do what we do without you!

This Pink Tie Gala is in celebration of over a decade of making an impact with breast cancer patients, warriors, and survivors. With your help, we have been able to stay committed to our mission of helping individuals impacted by this disease and raising awareness.

We have a wonderful evening planned for you as we celebrate the resilience of those who battled breast cancer, remember those we have lost and raise funds to continue the work we hold very dear.

Thank you for helping us 'Keep Our Promise' to our beloved Donna!

With warm regards,

Stacia L. Shields Chair, Pink Tie Gala

Thank You from DMSF Board On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Donna M. Saunders Foundation, we appreciate your support of our mission. As we come together for our gala, it feels only right to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering support each one of you has provided over the past 11 years.

Our foundation's journey, filled with triumphs and challenges, would have been insurmountable without the community of supporters we have been fortunate to have. Your presence at our galas, this year, signifies more than just attendance.

It is a testament to the collective resolve and commitment we share towards assisting those battling breast cancer.

Every dollar raised during these events, be it through ticket purchases, donations, or our auction, has made a tangible difference. It's paved the way for medical aid, emotional support, awareness campaigns, and so much more. The potency of each contribution lies in the lives transformed, the spirits uplifted, and the hope ignited.

Speaking of our auction, we'd be remiss if we didn't extend our profound gratitude to all our auction donors. The items you graciously provide not only add a layer of excitement and elegance to our galas but also significantly bolster our fundraising efforts. Your generosity amplifies our impact manifold.

We ardently invite you to partake in our upcoming events with the same enthusiasm and spirit. Your continued involvement strengthens our mission and magnifies our reach. We also urge you to connect with our beneficiaries whenever the chance arises, for it is in their stories that you'll see the profound impact of your support.

In wrapping up, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. Here's to many more years of partnership, togetherness, and making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Please visit our website to learn more about our foundation, www.breastcanceraid.org.

OUR BOARD Nardos E. King President

Bronte Montgomery Treasurer

Stacia L. Shields Vice-President

Sonya Bethea Secretary

DIRECTORS

Darlene Akers

Shirley Brown

Tracy Brown

Shanel Evans

Benita Toler

Suzanne Walker

A Message from Our Signature Sponsor Dear Esteemed Guests, We are absolutely delighted to welcome you to the Donna M. Saunders Foundation’s annual Pink Tie Guy Gala. As the twinkling lights illuminate this evening, they remind us of the shining hope and resolute spirit of countless women who are valiantly battling breast cancer.

Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate, but to champion a cause close to our hearts.

Breast cancer affects countless women, their families, and communities worldwide.

This devastating diagnosis, while medically challenging, also comes with a myriad of financial pressures. From treatment costs to daily living expenses, the financial toll can be just as overwhelming as the physical and emotional one. This is where the Pink Tie Guy Gala steps in.

This Pink Tie Guy Gala is more than just an event – it’s a symbol of our collective endeavor to stand alongside those who are affected by breast cancer. Every pink tie worn, every kind word spoken, and every dollar donated goes directly to providing the essential financial support to women in need. This isn’t just a gala; it’s a call to action, a beacon of hope, and an emblem of solidarity.

This evening is a culmination of love, dedication, and generosity from people like you who have come together to make a tangible difference. As you immerse yourself in the enchantment of the night, with mesmerizing performances, delectable cuisine, and heartfelt stories, remember that each moment resonates with the love and courage of the women we are here to support.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Your benevolence and commitment drive this initiative, turning hope into reality for many. To our guests, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your presence today is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to making a difference.

Tonight, let us celebrate resilience, honor courage, and foster hope. With every pink tie in the room and with every person in attendance, we are reminded of our united front against breast cancer.

Together, we can and will make a difference.

Warmest Regards, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford “In unity, there is strength; in strength, there is hope.”

THANK YOU TO OUR PINK TIE GUYS

Roosevelt Brown

Keith Copeland

Kyle Davis

Anthony Harris

Rick Harris

Russell Hooper

Christopher Metz

Edward “Bean” Morgan Jr.

Lee Packnett

Michael Parker

Chris Shields

Brett Tolbert

Terrance Van Hook

Herb Vincent Jr.

Malachi Walker

Nathan White

Philip Wilkerson

Benjie Wimberly

Gala Master of Ceremonies

Tony Perkins Tony Perkins is a veteran Washington, D.C. journalist and host. He joined NBC4 in 2023 to anchor News4 Today. For more than 30 years, Perkins has been part of the Washington, D.C. media scene as a weatherman, reporter, host and news anchor on both television and radio.

Perkins grew up in the D.C. region, attending school in Prince George’s and Fairfax Counties then college at American University where he majored in Communications and Cinema Studies. Perkins started his career as a stand-up comedian in what was then D.C.’s thriving comedy club circuit. He spent nine years performing at clubs, colleges and theatres across the country and “opening” for headliners such as Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Sinbad.

His comedy led to a job with Donnie Simpson’s #1-rated morning radio show on KYS-FM which was then broadcast from NBC4 studios. Over the next several years, he hosted a show called “DC20 Breakaway” for which he won an EMMY award then joined WTTG-TV as the morning weatherman and feature reporter. In 1998, Perkins joined Good Morning America, bringing viewers weather reports and feature stories throughout the early hours of the day. He covered dozens of hurricanes and weather events and interviewed many celebrities during his six years there.

Missing the Washington region, Perkins returned to WTTG in 2006, eventually anchoring the evening newscasts with Shawn Yancy and earning his second EMMY award. In 2018, Perkins reunited with Donnie Simpson, this time on an afternoon show on MAJIC 102.3 and 92/7. He continues to cohost that show from 3 to 7 p.m.

Perkins lives in Northern Virginia with his wife.

order of events Welcome & Greetings Dinner Gala Reflections & Acknowledgements Dessert & Dancing Gala Updates Dancing Closing Show us what you got!

Grab a friend, take a selfie and upload it to our Gala site.

See yourself on the big screen.

Scan or click the QR code.

Gold Sponsor

Donna’s Angels Sponsors

Congratulations TO THE DONNA M. SAUNDERS FOUNDATION INC FOR THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BREAST CANCER COMMUNITY

Mary Bosley

Friends of DMSF Patrons Shirley & Donald Brown Zelda Davis Irma Diaz Claudia Dickens Tori Easterling-Doby Nicehlle Evans Esser Candy Fenn David Harris Lisa Hughes Marlita Lee Darin Newman Phyllis Pajardo Tawanda Rooney DNV Real Estate Tamara Whitaker Marilyn & Ricky Whitley

Click on the QR code to access our silent auction and bid on your favorite items!