For Hometown News
TREASURE COAST --
Pink Tie Friends on the Treasure Coast has a new name but their mission remains the same.
The nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to help breast cancer patients in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties marked a successful sixth annual friendship luncheon with the announcement of a new name and a pending new look for the organization.
"We are now Friends In Pink," said Judy Schilder, president.
"While the name has changed, our mission and that of our many volunteers and our board of directors remains the same in that we are dedicated to providing financial assistance to breast cancer patients on the Treasure Coast who either have no insurance or are underinsured."
The name change was prompted by trademark and copyright issues. "Much to our surprise, we discovered Pink Tie Friends and our recognizable ribbon logo had not been secured in years past and was already registered by other organizations. To protect the integrity of our organization and to create a brand that we alone would own, we have been working for a year to come up with the new name and a branded logo approach that has been secured and registered," said Ms. Schilder.
"We will operate under the Friends In Pink name as a 'doing business as' entity, while still under the 501 (c)-(3) not for profit organization of Pink Tie Friends, Inc. until all the final paperwork for the transition has been completed," she said.
Friends In Pink has secured the domain www.FriendsInPink.org and has a page marker now in place. A formal rollout of the new Friends In Pink logo is planned for after Jan. 1.
Unveiling of Friends In Pink came during a very successful friendship luncheon. More than 150 volunteers and sponsors were registered to attend the fundraising luncheon that featured a special Macy's fashion show and live auction by auctioneer K.C. Daniel of Associate Auctions.
The annual event generated more than $31,000 to help Friends In Pink continue to grow to serve local breast cancer patients.
Plans are already underway for next year's luncheon and several country clubs throughout the region are now vying for the honor of hosting the gala event.
For more information, visit www.FriendsInPink.org.