Paint Chaffee Pink is a brand-new breast cancer awareness and education event being established by two local breast cancer survivors—Lorie Robertson and Sarah Meek Howe. The survivor brunch, film, and fashion show event will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at The Vue Venue in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District, 12105 Ward Ave., Fort Smith, AR. Advance registration for $20 is on Eventbrite. Pink flags can be purchased for an additional $5 donation – they will be placed around the venue. Check-in is from 8:30 am until 9:30 am. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 am. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House in Fort Smith.
Co-chairs Lorie Robertson and Sarah Meek Howe along with other survivors and supporters were determined to bring a breast cancer awareness and education event back to western Arkansas because there has not been one since 2019. Mrs. Robertson said the inspiration for the event is very simple, “There needs to be a renewed spotlight on breast cancer awareness in western Arkansas. Following the pandemic, many women have not had annual mammograms for as many as three years. Consequently, many recent cases of breast cancer being detected are in advanced stages. Research clearly shows that early detection of breast cancer through manual exams and mammograms saves lives and may result in less stressful treatment plans. That means breast cancer education is very more important. The Reynolds Cancer Support House provides support services, programs, and cancer education for people all over western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma free of charge. The Paint Chaffee Pink event is a way we can increase awareness and support their mission.”
The inaugural Paint Chaffee Pink event has garnered significant support from area businesses. Turn Key Construction, ArcBest Corporation, Radiology Services, and Radiologists, P.A. are the presenting sponsors. Other sponsors include Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Baptist Health Fort Smith, Mercy Fort Smith, Propak Logistics, United Federal Credit Union, Cintas 2
Corp., Coca-Cola of Fort Smith, Westark Plumbing, Burton Pools & Spas, Centennial Bank, Rival Commercial RE, Metroplex Power & Utility, and Prodigal Restaurant. Each guest must purchase a ticket that will include a goodie bag and a t-shirt. Seating is limited.
The inaugural event will feature:
- • Breast cancer survivor brunch sponsored by Golden Corral
- • A live musical performance
- • Performance of the National Anthem by Israel Yamen, a Community School of the Arts vocalist
- • A short film about the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House sponsored by the River Valley Film Society
- • A survivor fashion show sponsored by M. Marie Salon & Boutique
- • A breast cancer medical update by keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Mackey, Mercy Fort Smith Oncology
- • A group photo
- • Door prize drawings
For more information, contact: Lorie Robertson, Chair
paintchaffeepink@gmail.com
479.719.6624
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintchaffeepink
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintchaffeepink/
