The Second Annual Pink Party

On October 22, 2024, Savory Flavors and Donna Jean’s teamed up to host the second annual Pink Party. Savory Flavors’ dining room was decorated in pink, and the countertop overflowed with a generous spread of refreshments, including some delicious barbecue. The pink “runway” was rolled out for cancer survivors to model clothing from Donna Jean’s. Although the pink theme is specifically in honor of breast cancer awareness, the party this year was expanded to celebrate survivors and spread awareness of all types of cancer.

Sixteen models walked the pink carpet this year, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Some of the models also walked in honor of their loved ones who have endured the disease. Kathy Kestner and Arissa Anderson announced each of the models as they walked the runway, narrating the models’ unique experiences with cancer. Some of the survivors are still undergoing treatment, while others have been cancer-free for years.

One remarkable survivor is ninety-three-year-old Ruth Jackson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age forty-five. Doctors told Ruth she might live five years, but she should not expect to be a long-term survivor. Forty-eight years later, Ruth joined us at the Pink Party in good health and with the biggest smile. Ruth had a powerful message to share with all cancer patients: “It is important to listen and understand what doctors and other medical professionals have to say about your condition, but they can only tell you what their training and experience have taught them. Follow their medical advice, if that’s the path you choose, but remember God always has the final say. Trust Him to lead you into the treatment path that was His will for you.”

The Pink Party had a wonderful turnout this year. People of all backgrounds gathered to celebrate survivors and honor those we have lost. The event was a powerful display of unity in our local community.

The Savory Flavors crew is so thankful to have been a part of this event for the second time. We are grateful to all who attended and all the brave models who shared their stories. We would like to especially thank Arissa Anderson, owner of Donna Jean’s, for collaborating with us. We look forward to more Pink Parties in the future!