The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

CANCER survivors will be clad in some of the most beautiful creations by Bahamian designers when they walk the runway during this year's Cancer Society Ball under the theme "Met Gala: Colours of Life!"

This year's event, now in its 17th year, will play off the fashion industry's most highly acclaimed, celebrity-packed, avant-garde event - the fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City.

The grand event will take place during Cancer Awareness Month, on May 26, at Atlantis' Imperial Ballroom.

The evening begins with cocktails at 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm. The ball promises to be a fun-filled night of high fashion, prizes and lots of dancing, said Richenda King, co-chair of the ball.

There will be a fashion show which will showcase cancer survivors dressed in custom-made gowns from Bahamian designers Javotte Bethell, Judy Deleveaux, Patrice Lockhart and Cardell McClam, who have all partnered with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas to bring some haute couture flare to the evening. They are expected to design 12 gowns, four of which will go on to auction.

"Attendees can expect a night of high fashion, beautiful, colourful ambiance, high entertainment - there are four bands: Essence Band, Bahamas Music Academy Orchestra, Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band and Visage - delicious food, a truly wonderful evening celebrating the colours of life, and all for a worthy cause," said Ms King.

The annual ball is one of the major fundraisers for the Cancer Society of the Bahamas. Proceeds from this event will help provide funding for the expansion of the Cancer Caring Centre which helps many cancer patients, especially from the Family Islands, with lodging while receiving treatment in New Providence.

The Cancer Society is currently raising money for a $3 million dollar expansion.

"The centre is an eight-room facility for patients and their care-givers and there is a great need for this expansion, especially for patients from the Family Island who may not have anywhere to stay while they are receiving treatment in Nassau," said Ms King.

Partnering with the Cancer Society as a corporate sponsor is Atlantic Medical Insurance. Ms King encouraged all potential corporate sponsors to become a part of this event that supports a great cause.

"Working in the health insurance industry we see first-hand what this disease can do to families, not only financially, but emotionally as well, so we are happy to assist with this initiative, as we've been a major sponsor since the beginning," said Atlantic Medical Insurance Director of Operations Anastasia Francis.

Platinum sponsors Bahamas First, Island Games, Pictet Bank & Trust Limited and Paradise Games each expressed how honoured and privileged they are to play a role in this year's ball.

Throughout the month of May there will be free screenings provided throughout the Bahamas by the Cancer Society, along with all of the regular support group meetings and other activities which can be found on the organisation's website.