The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

It was a special evening for survivors and caretakers who were paid tribute to during the Cancer Society of the Bahamas’ gala ball Saturday night.

Members of the Cancer Society said they were extremely pleased with the turnout for their 15th annual ball.

The black-tie event, themed “Hold My Hand. Touch my Life!”, was held at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach.

For the 2016 edition of the Cancer Society Ball, guests enjoyed entertainment from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, which played during the cocktail reception, followed by the Royal Bahamas Police Band during dinner and the Visage Ba nd throughout the rest of the night.

Additionally, Freddie Munnings Jr performed two selections, one of which he wrote for his wife who died of cancer.

Richenda King, co-chair of the Cancer Society’s ball committee, said the event was a fantastic experience and extremely successful.

“People were so moved by Freddie Munnings Jr’s performance.

“One of the songs he performed also paid tribute to the daughter of Peter Bates, owner of The Sign Man.

“It was written in her memory,” she said.

Ms King said the support from the general public was extraordinary, with 450 persons in attendance.

She described the ball as a “tremendous outpouring of giving”.

“The silent auction and the in-house raffle were also successful,” she added.

“The Love Campaign has also been going on for sometime. It is a campaign done by Freddie Munnings Jr, Carlton Smith, and Quality Home Centre. People were donating amounts to the Love Campaign who purchased goods from the Quality Home Centre and they presented a cheque for a little over $13,000 at the ball which that goes directly to the Cancer Caring Centre.”

Dr Williamson Chea received the Susan G Andrews Award for the extensive work he has done with cancer patients, while Pamela Burnside was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the Cancer Society.