COMMERCE - On October 1, at the Pink Partini Fashion Gala, something much more than a fashion show will take place. As Jo Totherow, Sharon Highsmith, Linda Hendrix, Nora Lynn Chambers and Emily Phillips walk down the runway they will serve as a living testament and inspiration that there is hope after breast cancer and all forms of cancer. These ‘survivors’ all have a heartfelt story and on this night they will gladly walk across the stage, strut their stuff and enjoy every moment of it.
The event, the PINK PARTINI FASHION GALA, will take place on October 1st from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Civic Center. Presented in partnership by the Northridge Medical Center and Tanger Outlets in Commerce, the fundraising event will benefit the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia. The fun evening out will consist of a cocktail hour featuring delicious appetizers and tasty treats, a silent auction, all followed by a dazzling fashion show. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at both Tanger Outlets and the Northridge Medical Center. Additional ticket outlets include the Jackson Pharmacy in Hoschton, Sassafrass Salon in Jefferson, and the Enchanted Florist in Commerce.
“While this event will be fun and filled with joy and laughter, at the heart of it all is very serious business,” said Tanger General Manager Mark Valentine. “On behalf of our partner on this event, the Northridge Medical Center, we are very passionate about the prospects of promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, working to find a cure and to do what we can to help those facing cancer in their lives at this very moment.”
According to Valentine, incorporating cancer survivors into the event in a prominent way is the very best way to try to give hope and inspiration to others!
SURVIVOR MODELS
Jo Totherow, of Commerce, was first diagnosed in August 2000. She was cancer free for 12 years until August of 2012 it appeared again but in a different form. Her treatment currently consists of taking a single pill every day and she goes for a CT scan every month, and for three years she has continued to live a normal, busy life! A registered nurse, she loves going to the beach with her family and reading. Married to Ralph Tothero, they have 4 kids, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Her advice to others, “I did this and so can you!” She whole-heartily believes that attitude is 95% of beating the disease.
Diagnosed in April of 2003, Sharon Highsmith of Commerce, has now been cancer free for over 12 years. She and her husband, Sammy, are owners of Ivie Funeral Home in Commerce and Danielsville and they have two children and one “precious” 5-year-old grandson. She likes to travel and volunteer for meals on wheels and the local food bank. She has stuck by her mantra over the years, “I’m going to beat it; it’s not going to beat me!”
Linda Hendrix, a life-long resident of Commerce, was diagnosed in September 2013. She finished chemotherapy treatments in January but is still taking a daily pill and continues with routine follow-up visits. She and her husband, Darrell, owned Peerless Dry Cleaners in downtown Commerce until 2001 when they both retired. Needlework, flower arranging and gardening are among her passions. She has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Her best advice to others is to find people who have been through it, “Find a friend and, above all, think positive!”
Nicholson resident, Nora Lynn Chambers, is employed as the office manager at the University Cancer & Blood Center and Radiation Clinic in Athens. She was first diagnosed in January of 2014 and has been fighting ever since. She loves to exercise and run, and has set a goal to run an entire 5k. But above all she treasures time spent with friends and family, especially her sweet 6-year-old granddaughter, Raileigh. According to Nora you have to keep your chin up and stay positive! “God, loved ones and all the angels among us will see you through!”
Emily Phillips has now lived in Braselton for the last 18 years where she works in the Antiques trade. In March of 2013 she was diagnosed with cancer. She recently experienced a very special moment with her granddaughter as they ran a 5k together after finishing up on her last round of treatments. Besides running, she loves reading, writing and anything creative. Emily believes that you should keep doing what you are doing! “Eventually there will be an end and the brightness will come back.”
The fashion show will include a combination of top professional models from Atlanta, models from the Tanger Teen Fashion Panel, in addition to the cancer survivor models that have graciously agreed to join in on all the fun! The show will be produced by Poshe Productions, a top fashion and entertainment company based out of Atlanta.
One-hundred percent of the event proceeds from the Pink Partini Fashion Gala will go directly to cancer patients and their families through the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia. The mission of the foundation is to alleviate the financial burden of cancer for eligible patients.
Tanger Outlets has partnered with the Northridge Medical Center to help organize this fundraising event and several local businesses have signed on to co-sponsor the event: DFP Construction, Jerry’s Lock & Key, Carson Plumbing, Contour Environmental, Denyse Sign, Jon Massey State Farm, Legacy Landscape Management, Legacy Construction, Mastercraft Stucco, Myers Electric, North Georgia Cleaning Systems, Tiger Town Pharmacy, Tip Top Roofers, Jackson EMC, Jaemor Farms, Athens Diagnostic, Athens Digestive, CertaPro Painters, EMC Security, Fast Signs, Garrett Paving, Hampton Inn of Commerce, S.S. Professional Services, St. Moritz Building Services, Bizzy Bee Exterminators, and VendEdge.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the following locations:
Tanger Outlets
Northridge Medical Center
Sassafrass Salon
Jackson Medicine Center
Enchanted Florist
About Poshe Productions:
Poshe Productions is a full service entertainment company. Owner, Michelle Lynch is known as a celebrity stylist, fashion show producer and talent scout. She has worked with many high profile entertainers such as Martha Stewart, Russell Simmons, Tommy Hilfiger & Usher to name a few. She was on tour with Clinton Kelly from ABC’s ‘The Chew’ & TLC’s ‘What Not To Wear’ as head stylist for the last 7 years and currently still works as corporate stylist for Macy’s Dept. Stores for over 15 years. Her resume includes many film & television productions with networks: MTV, HBO, TLC & ABC. In addition to being a national stylist, Michelle produces fashion events all over the country and is considered a style expert in the fashion, beauty & bridal arena. She heads the Georgia Bridal Show, which consists of a 15 city tour that features the current trends in wedding gowns & tuxes and books models on a national level.
About The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia:
The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help alleviate the financial burden of cancer for eligible patients living in our community. The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia (CFNEGA) is a local 501(c)3 non-profit that provides emergency financial assistance for basic life needs such as housing, utilities, food and medications. The ultimate goal of The CFNEGA is to provide emergency monetary assistance to cancer patients living in Northeast Georgia.
About The Northridge Medical Center:
Northridge Medical Center is a rural community hospital located in Commerce, GA offering a full range of medical services. Our obligation is to meet the challenges in the ever-changing world of healthcare. We are driven by both integrity and innovation. Our team values each opportunity we have to enhance our patients’ healthcare experiences. We are guided by our character qualities: Quality, Service Excellence, Integrity, and Compassion. The hospital provides emergency services, diagnostic and imaging services, rehabilitation services, surgical needs, orthopedic services, laboratory, as well as senior adult psychiatric programs. When you choose Northridge Medical Center for your healthcare needs, you have chosen specialty medical care close to home.
About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.:
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 47 upscale outlet shopping centers in 24 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 14.7 million square feet leased to over 3,100 stores operated by more than 470 different brand name companies. With more than 30 years of experience in the outlet industry and 2 additional centers currently under construction, Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 185 million shoppers annually. Tanger is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the company's web site at www.tangeroutlet.com.
