Guests donned their best blue jeans and bling as they headed to the fifth annual American Cancer Society’s Denim and Diamonds Hope Gala at Magnolia Manor.
It was an evening of brilliance, showing that community support directly advances vital research and supports efforts devoted to eradicating cancer.
As they milled about sipping on Diamond Drops, the evening’s featured cocktail, musician Kurt Stevens played, and guests took chances at western-themed games and perused an array of boot-kickin’ auction items.
Later, Master of Ceremonies Neal Watkins asked the crowd for just 15 seconds of silence to emphasize that, “Every 15 seconds, somebody hears the words, ‘You have cancer.’ You being here tonight is part of an effort to stand up so that when somebody hears those words, they know they are not alone.”
“Last year, the American Cancer Society celebrated 110 years of wins, and we are not slowing down,” said Theresa Woodson, ACS senior development manager, highlighting their century-long fight.
She added that while 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year, survivorship is at an all-time high.
“Many of them will one day ring the bell and walk out of hospitals knowing they will see more holidays, more friends and family, and more birthdays,” said Woodson.
Event co-chairs Karen Franke and Mike Lafferty thanked local businesses, foundations and community members for their longstanding support of the shared mission, before raising their glasses in a toast.
“Let’s remember the ones we lost to the fight, encourage the ones that are fighting the fight, and celebrate those that are winning the fight,” said Franke.
Michael Merrill introduced Kristen Tripson, wife of Sam Tripson, who passed away in 2015. She stood by his side throughout his battle with cancer and, in a testament to resilience, attended nursing school and has now served as an oncology nurse for five years, caring for countless patients.
“We recognize Kristen’s courage and dedication today as her caregiving did not end when Sam passed,” Merrill said during the Legacy of Hope Spotlight.
The evening also honored the youngest Portrait of Hope, Ramie Darling, the event’s “Call to the Heart” honoree, whose story of youth and courage moved the room. At age 9, Ramie was diagnosed with cancer when he had a stomachache that wouldn’t go away.
With the support of his family, Ramie navigated chemotherapy, surgeries, immunotherapy and a liver transplant and has now surpassed a year of being cancer-free.
Before the dinner service catered by Adrienne Drew and the live auction corralled by Wesley Davis, Bobby Lindsey offered an invocation that doubled as a powerful personal testimony.
Lindsey recounted a doctor’s visit 25 years ago, where he was given six months to live and was told to ++++get his affairs in order. “I said, ‘Well, I’m not having any affairs,’” Lindsey quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
“Twenty-five years later, I am still here. I think you can search the world over and not find a group of more caring people than what we have right here in Vero Beach.”
Guests raised their paddles high, helping to ensure the American Cancer Society can continue its lifesaving work – 15 seconds at a time.
For more information, visit cancer.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
