First Posted: 1/23/2015
LIMA — The Breast Cancer Awareness Coalition was just looking for a fun way to say thank you to supporters and help raise awareness with its first annual Pink Pajama Party held Friday at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Lima.
While the event was a fundraiser, coalition member Nora Fought said the event was more designed as an educational and awareness event.
“It was primarily to thank women who had supported our organization in the past,” Fought said.
Fought said the idea was a brainchild of another member, Beda Sielschott, and that they went into it not for sure of the turnout.
“We didn’t set any expectations going into it,” Fought said. “It turned out better than we ever could have expected.”
More than 160 women turned out for the event, which included pizza, popcorn, nachos, chocolate and hors d’oeuvres. There were also other events such as Truth or Dare, chair massages, nail polishing, a cell phone photo booth, vendor booths, and a silent auction, too. Anyone wearing pink pajamas was awarded more chances to win one of the many door prizes, and most in attendance obliged by wearing their pink nightwear.
Of those in attendance, 20 stood when asked if any breast cancer survivors were in the audience. Fought said the organization is dedicated to women like them.
“Our goal is that any woman that is dealing with cancer does not have to face it alone,” Fought said.
Fought said the organization has paid out $4,000 in just the last six months in helping women that are dealing with breast cancer. She said the organization covers Allen, Hardin and Putnam counties and that women can be eligible for up to $250 in funding.
Attendees had the option to extend the option to extend their stay to overnight for a reduced rate of $79.
Fought said anyone interested in joining the organization can call 419-235-3825.
