Meghan Klopp

Now in its seventh year, Play for P.I.N.K. Millbrook is all but a tradition in this tight-knit community. Millbrook, located some two hours from New York City, is a serene seasonal escape noted for its undulating hilly terrain and longtime ties to equestrian life. It also happens to be where the Play for P.I.N.K. organization has laid roots, raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through sporting and lifestyle events.

To speed advances in breast cancer detection, treatment and survivorship, Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) supports thousands of volunteers nationwide as they raise funds for research. Their efforts raise $4 million annually, and 100% of that goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Evelyn Lauder of The Estée Lauder Companies in 1993.

PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Marion de Vogel, Larry Graev and Emma Sweeney attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC)

For the Play for P.I.N.K. Millbrook event, supporters arrived at the bucolic Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve; the backdrop of the event being the impressionistic Halcyon Lake and spring green and pink flowers decorating the luncheon tables for a standing room-only audience. The co-chairs of this event were Cathy Franklin, Karen Klopp, Beth Ledy, and Alexandra Traber McNamara.

Myra Biblowit, the longtime President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation conveyed the fact that Evelyn Lauder’s vision of an organization has stood the test of time. The organic development of Play For P.I.N.K. is evidence of that. “Evelyn would be overjoyed to see you all here today.” 

Lorna Graev had the honor of presenting the inaugural Millbrook Humanitarian Award to the illustrious Barbara Tober, longtime editor of Brides Magazine, proud Millbrook resident, and supporter a vast range of charitable organizations. Loran Graev spoke on the intent of the award saying, “She and her beloved husband Donald have lived a life of philanthropy that have impacted so many people.”

PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Will Eckstein, Vera Farmiga and Alex Eckstein attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Will Eckstein;Vera Farmiga;Alex Eckstein

In a letter, Leonard Lauder praised Mrs. Tober: “You have helped so many people through your impactful philanthropy. Where there is art and design, there is you, Barbara. Where there is fashion, there is you, Barbara. Where there is a zest for life, there is you, Barbara. Where there is Barbara, there is hope for a better world. I can think of no individual more deserving of this award. Barbara dear, you are a true humanitarian, and I am humbled by your friendship.”

Guests at the luncheon were able to take home a small token in the form of a series of “Thoughts to Live By”, written by Barbara herself. 

• Surround yourself with Beauty  
• Laugh first, Problems are meant to be solved  
• Open your eyes, then your Heart to new ideas  
• Stay with the Happy People  
• Help those who aren’t  
• Nurture your inner child; Fun is healthy  
• Inspire those around you  
• Do something Constructive every day  
• Accept that Challenges are “growing pains”  
• Take charge of your own Health  
• Be responsible for Yourself  

PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Meghan Klopp, Karen Klopp, Nichola Gray, Joyann King and Caroline Merison attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC)

Barbara was greeted with a standing ovation as she received the inaugural Millbrook Humanitarian Award. She closed the luncheon with a reflection on the progress made as an organization. “There are thousands of women proudly walking forward because of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. YOU are all Philanthropists and should be proud of YOUR efforts to make this disease disappear!”

Learn more about Play for P.I.N.K. here. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation here.