For Hometown News

MARTIN COUNTY - The Lyric Theatre was filled with hope, as hundreds joined to celebrate local breast cancer efforts at the fifth annual Pink Tie Gala on Oct. 3.

The Light of Hope- themed event grossed more than $37,000 for Pink Tie Friends. All proceeds will help the nonprofit organization fulfill its mission of assisting breast cancer patients in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties who are either uninsured or under insured.

The Pink Tie Gala, which was co-emceed by breast cancer survivor Kristen Hoke of WPBF and Tom Farley of Shiloh Productions, featured a variety of performances from local, as well as national groups and individuals. Guests also enjoyed an after-party hosted by Osceola Street Café.

Performers included: the Sonshine Company; Barn Theatre; Shiloh Theatrical Productions; Fabulous Feet; Jerry D; Craig Wich Studio of Performing Arts; St. Joseph's School Jazz Ensemble; Florida Arts and Dance; Ruby Lynn Productions and Art Impact Reprise.

"We are so grateful to everyone who came to the Lyric for this special evening of entertainment," said Nancy Sailer, co-chairwoman of the gala. Pink Tie Friends is currently raising funds for local breast cancer patients through sale of their 2010 Light of Hope calendar, which was unveiled during the friendship luncheon in August.

The calendar illustrates to the community the faces and spirits of those who have courageously battled and survived breast cancer and features a different local breast cancer survivor each month.

Pink Tie Friends is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to assisting uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. All proceeds from the gala, the friendship luncheon and calendar will be used to support these men and women in their fight against breast cancer.

For more information contact Pink Tie Friends at (772) 785-8730, info@pinktiefriends.org or visit www.pinktiefriends.org.