Sporting a rainbow of colors, the women of Orchid Island connected for a common cause last Monday evening. JoAnn and Ed Ricca graciously opened their home to more than 120 guests who attended the fourth annual Connecting for Cancer Girls Night Out.
“I’ve always supported this event, but this was the first time I was able to attend,” said JoAnn Ricca, who fully embraced the mission and welcomed guests with open arms. “It’s for a good cause, and there’s none among us that doesn’t know someone who hasn’t suffered from cancer. I’m a big believer that you have to give back.”
Nancy Cruce and Gerry Collins led the charge as founders of the annual ladies cancer fundraiser, having realized that by working together, members of the Orchid Island Golf and Country Club could truly make a difference.
Cruce explained that proceeds from the event benefit the Pay-It-Forward Fund of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.
“This helps those carefully screened in Indian River County needing financial assistance for their cancer diagnosis and treatment,” she added.
“It means so much to everyone here, and everyone who has had or may have cancer, no matter what kind,” said Nancy Higgins.
Guests enjoyed Pink Lady Cosmos dispensed from a Breast Cancer Ribbon fountain donated by Ice Pro, and bid on silent-auction items such as jewelry and spa packages, artwork and wine baskets.
Additionally, Keena and Chris Clifford sponsored a Sonoma vacation at the Redwood Hill Vineyards and Donna Breadner offered a repeat favorite, an Argentinian luncheon at her oceanside home.
Committee members were adorned in boas made by Kathy Dunlop, who once again created them in colors representing 27 different types of cancer. The boas will all be donated to the Infusion Center at the IRMC Scully-Welsh Cancer Center.
“I am beyond honored to be a part of Connecting for Cancer,” said Lori McCormick, IRMC administrative director of Oncology. “It benefits our Pay-It-Forward program which helps so many people in our community.”
And while the ladies were enjoying themselves, the menfolk gathered at the Beach Club for a Boys Night Out, watching a showing of the movie “Patton” and feasting on a meal they referred to as “food their wives won’t let them eat.”
“Girls Night Out has continually brought together the largest gathering of women ever in Orchid Island. The community has connected and has become invested in this project,” shared Nance. “We have a lot of fun while helping others.”
According to American Cancer Society statistics, an estimated 1,685,210 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2016, with 595,690 people dying from cancer in the United States alone.
