It was a pretty pink evening as everyone donned their favorite dresses in anticipation of raising money for Breast Cancer Research and Care. On Thursday, October 10, author and entrepreneur Gretta Monahan and actress Sheetal Sheth co-hosted The Pink Agenda’s 17th Annual New York City Gala. The Starry Night evening took place at the Tribeca Rooftop which raised a record-breaking $340,000.
Hosted by Gretta Monahan and Sheetal Sheth, they are both survivors themselves and are adamant about supporting organizations that give back to the cause. In a poignant moment early in the evening’s program, Nicole Seagriff, President of The Pink Agenda and two-time breast cancer survivor, addressed the room:
“The reason I’m standing here today is because of research—the scientific and medical advancements The Pink Agenda has funded. However, my story is far from unique—breast cancer among young women in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, is on the rise. We must be more determined than ever to fuel life-changing research to end breast cancer, once and for all.”
The Pink Agenda Icon Award went to Amanda Rice, Founder and CEO of The Chick Mission, who was honored through the evening. The Chick Mission is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing women battling cancer with access to fertility preservation ahead of lifesaving treatment. Since its inception in 2017, over 550 Hope Grants have been awarded to cover the cost of fertility treatment for cancer patients, saving $7.4 million in medical bills for these families. In addition, Amanda has played an integral role in passing legislation ensuring that young women with cancer have access to fertility preservation in seventeen states.
This year’s gala also recognized 10 years of partnership with Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH initiative which helps young women fighting breast cancer feel special when they need it the most. Each year at the Gala, a FAB-U-WISH is granted to a young woman living with breast cancer. This year’s recipient Kate Wunsch first found a lump in her left breast at just 34 years old. Kate persevered through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, a double mastectomy, the removal of 33 lymph nodes, and radiation. Now cancer-free, as part of her wish, Kate received a special night at the gala, including a full makeover experience and accessories courtesy of TPA’s incredible friends at Kendra Scott.
Star-studded guests included actress Jenna Leigh Green, Hampton Water Rosé co-founder Jesse Bongiovi, Damn Good & Co-founder Sarrah Strimel Bentley, NBC New York anchor Adam Kuperstein, actress and model Toks Olagundoye, Emma Myles, Rebecca Jarvis, and others. Guests danced the night away, under the stars, to a DJ set by DJ Ya Girl Ash.
The live auction included a pink autographed electric guitar by Jon Bon Jovi, A BOGNER Shopping Spree, a Tuscany Getaway, an exclusive Dom Pérignon Tasting Experience, and a silent auction featuring over 90 incredible items like luggage, perfume, jewelry, and trips.