Pink Aid’s Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at Mitchells of Westport has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the fall. More than 500 women and men come together united by one mission: to improve the lives of uninsured and underinsured women here in Connecticut as they undergo testing, treatment and recovery from breast cancer. Each year brings more surprises; more stories of courage, grace and humor in the face of difficulty and love and support amidst struggle.

For this year’s 4th annual event, CBS News Correspondent Lara Logan gave a riveting and candid account of her emotional response to developing breast cancer after returning from Egypt as a foreign correspondent with two very small children. Next, guests were treated to Michael Kors’ visual interpretation of Spring 2015 complete with opulent florals and elegant 1950’s feminine silhouettes. The heart and soul of the event is always the Celebration of Survivorship Fashion Show — a moving and exhilarating show, featuring women in our communities living with and living beyond the diagnosis of breast cancer. Walking with friends and family members, these women are truly the face and the emotional core of Pink Aid. Co-chairs Jo Levinson and Elida Gollomp gave this part of the event their own special twist renaming it the “Warrior Fashion Show.” As former breast cancer patients, both women wanted to stress the active role that women play in their daily battle against breast cancer and all that comes with it, and their refusal to be portrayed like victims.

Another twist this year was the establishment of “Pink Aid’s Pink Purse” with the help of a generous supporter who offered to match up to $150,000 to create this fund. Pink Aid’s Pink Purse will help individuals directly who have tapped out other resources or have no where else to turn. Pink Aid has provided 1 million dollars so far to grant recipients ranging from grass-roots organizations to major hospitals and non-profits. In spite of this, tremendous need still exists here in Connecticut and applications from agencies and individuals are expected to increase.

“Pink Passion” and inspiration were graciously supplied by top interior designers who created furnishings themed “Transitional Luxe,” including pink chairs, ottomans, artwork and dog beds that anchored virtual rooms around the store, which provided a beautiful backdrop to a Silent Auction, filled with travel packages from Valerie Wilson Travel, jewelry and other sought-after goods and services from local designers and retailers.

After a wonderful lunch by Marcia Selden Catering, signature Pink-a-tini’s and spectacular gift bags, attendees went home inspired and ready to see what challenges lay ahead for Pink Aid… and how the organization will rise up to meet them during next year’s 5th annual luncheon.