Several local breast cancer survivors have joined the 2009 Celebration of Life dance team that will perform during the Pink Tie Gala Oct. 24 in Richmond. The gala is a fundraiser to benefit the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
Each of the local women participating in the gala, along with their families, have faced a rollercoaster of fears and grueling treatments since being diagnosed with breast cancer. They have emerged victorious with a greater love for life and for others. While some are quite reserved by nature and others are more gregarious, each has volunteered to learn new dances and perform them at the gala.
Rigby's Jig Dance Studio in Richmond, owned and operated by Eleanor Robinson, began giving the ladies free dance lessons in August in preparation for the event. The studio has also provided suitable partners for them.
The 2009 Celebration of Life Dancers includes six teams: Barbara Roberson of Dinwiddie will waltz with Roger Harris; Cheryl Chandler of Chesterfield will rhumba with Phil Sisk; Holly Smith of Ashland will do the hustle with Bob Owen; Pat Carnesi of Chester will tango with Tom Mlot; Quinn Kilebenstein of Prince George will cha-cha with Jay Hearns; and Shannon Maroney of Mechanicsville will swing with Connell "CJ" Blankenbeckler.
The finale will consist of a special performance of the cha-cha by Dr. Diane B. Wilson, associate professor at VCU School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, and Dr. James Pellicane, director of Bon Secour's Virginia Breast Institute and St. Francis Cancer Institute. Open dance will follow.
Wilson, a member of the Komen Board of Directors, has attended past events, but this will be her first time performing.
"It will be very moving that night because you know what they've (survivors) gone through. And here they are dancing and having a wonderful time," she said.
Roberson admits this dance performance puts her outside her comfort zone. "I'm very nervous. I've never danced a day in my life!" she said.
But, she has risen to the challenge with the help of those at Rigby's Jig. "Eleanor and everyone there is very, very nice," she said.
Carnesi, on the other hand, is outgoing and doesn't feel the least bit shy.
"I've always loved dancing since high school, and now I am learning all these ballroom dances. I have a wonderful partner. He's so funny and really, really good," she said.
Before this experience, Carnesi has never had dance lessons. She is thoroughly enjoying her time spent at Rigby's Jig. "They are wonderful. It has been the most fun month." she said.
"I love life. Every morning I wake up, I'm glad to have another day," Carnesi said.
In addition to the dancing and the live music performed by Casper, the gala will include educational information, a book signing by author Casey Quinlan, and a silent auction. Items range from dinner for four at Chipotles to a one-week stay in a two-bedroom Villa at the Sanctuary Resort and Spa in Costa Rica (valued $4,500) which was donated by Paul Kessler. For a detailed list of items on auctions, visit http://www.pinktiegala.org/2009silentauctions.html.
Susan Groves, president and founder of River City Charities, which hosts the event, said that 100 percent of the net proceeds will go directly to the local Komen Foundation. Members of River City Charities do not receive any of the funds.
Tables and seating will be available for all to enjoy what Groves terms "heavy hors d'oeuvre." A cash bar will be available.
"There is no need to eat dinner before arriving," she said.
The menu includes barbecue meatballs, chicken tenders with dipping sauces, fresh vegetables, and Spanakopita, a vegetarian dish; imported and domestic cheeses, and a variety of fresh fruits and crackers; and a pasta station manned by a chef who will customize your selection. Pasta choices include tortellini, penne, and mushroom ravioli; grilled chicken, baby shrimp, artichoke hearts and grilled vegetables; parmesan cheese, pesto cream sauce, and marinara; and garlic bread sticks.
Tickets are on sale now and will not be available at the door. Groves encourages everyone to buy them early because space is limited.
"We had 100 attend the first year, 400 last year, and we expect more this year," she said.
The Pink Tie Gala will run from 7:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Omni, located at 100 South 12th St., Richmond.
Tickets are $50 per person and are available online at http://www.pinktiegala.org by clicking on the pay pal logo midway down the page.
To purchase in person, visit one of the following Richmond locations: Segway Tours, 1301 East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip at the fountain; Rigby's Jig, 5470 W. Broad St. in Willow Place Shopping Center or Bella Rosa Bridal, 11114 W. Broad Street in Glen Allen.
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