Party raises money for Army

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Pink was the color of the day at Lulu’s Oceanside Grill

Lulu’s Oceanside Grill held their second annual Pink Party on Oct. 24 to benefit the Pink Army, a group of volunteer “soldiers,” organized by Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, who work to increase awareness and raise money for breast cancer initiatives.

Two patrons, dressed in pink for the occasion, were Barbara and Jon Sandberg, of Ormond Beach. They said they have friends who have had breast cancer, and they remember how difficult it was years ago before prevention and treatment improved.

“It was a struggle,” Jon Sandberg said.

Zoe Hendrix and Judy Dobbs, also of Ormond Beach, were on hand to support the cause, and also to celebrate.

“We’re both survivors,” Hendrix said.

Brett MacIver, general manager of Lulu’s, said money is raised for the Pink Army in three ways: by donating a portion of sales of Pink Passion Martinis; raffling donated prizes including Daytona 500 tickets; and dedicating their monthly 5K charity run to the Pink Army.

Last year, they raised about $2,500, he said.

Lindsay Rew, spokesman for Florida Hospital, said 720 recruits were added to the Pink Army this year and there are currently 50,000 across the state. Local activities during the month included a golf tournament hosted by the Halifax Women’s Golf Assoc. at the Halifax Plantation Golf Club; a visit to Bethune-Cookman University by breast navigators from the hospital and Pink Parties that provided information about breath health, screenings, etc.