Pink Tie Friends, Inc. was founded as the Friends of the Breast Care Center of the Treasure Coast (aka Calendar Girls Fighting Breast Cancer) in 2005 by Nancy O’Neill.
In the beginning Nancy wrote, “ Between two hurricanes, (the infamous Frances and Jeanne that hit Florida in the fall of 2004) I was sent to the Breast Care Center of the Treasure Coast where I was “hit” with a stage-three breast cancer diagnosis. Because of the hurricanes, I didn’t have time to think about my medical predicament but I did have time to realize that the Center was a very special place.”
A couple months later, when things were returning to normal and Nancy was feeling better, she proposed to two friends who were also patients, that they do something to help the Center. When approached about their needs, the Center’s response was immediate and focused. “We need a fund for individuals with breast cancer who walk into this clinic almost every week and have no health insurance!”
“This brought together my commitment to the Center and my goal. A committee of community volunteers was formed and we were off and running.”
As long as she was able, Nancy worked tirelessly to promote the calendar and the gala and to build a strong foundation for her newly formed organization. After Nancy lost her battle to breast cancer in May 2006, a circle of friends, co-founders, survivors and community volunteers vowed to continue Nancy’s goal of helping other breast cancer patients without insurance to get treatment.
2005
Winter…………Nancy and her committee begin developing the ideas for a calendar to highlight breast cancer patients /survivors and for the first Pink Tie Showcase at the Lyric Theatre to introduce the Calendar Girls and provide an evening of entertainment and surprises.
February….….Board of directors established
Bylaws adopted
Date for Annual meeting determined
August……….. 2006 Calendar Girls Fighting Breast Cancer goes to press.
Photography by Diane Dultmeier; Graphics by Tara Biek.
October 8…… The 1st Annual Pink Tie Showcase featuring the 2006 Calendar Girls and the ballet “Legacy” along with a variety of guest performers.
Produced by Gayle Mingledorff
Mistress of Ceremonies: Kristin Hoke
2006
January 24….Friends of the Breast Care Center of The Treasure Coast receives IRS recognition as 509 (a)(2) public charity and tax exempt 501(c)(3) status
April 9………. Music for Life Concert, Memorial Park downtown Stuart.
Sponsored by Toyota of Stuart
May 31 ………. Nancy O’Neill loses her battle with breast cancer.
Name changed to Pink Tie Friends, Inc
August………. 2007 Calendar Girls Fighting Cancer – Bouquet of Hope
Photography by Elizabeth Powers; Graphics by Mary Anne Seymour
October ……… The 2nd annual Pink Tie Showcase – The Journey
Produced by Arts Impact: Gayle Mingledorff, Rita Jenkins and Betty Saunders
Mistress of Ceremonies: Kristin Hoke
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2007
August……….. 2008 Calendar Guy and Girls Fighting Breast Cancer – Pink Passions
Photography by Mitch Kloorfain; Graphics by Kat Moran
Aug/Sep……..Friendship Luncheon and Silent Auction with Pink Tie Friends
Nov. 17…… 3rd annual Pink Tie Showcase – Passions for Life
Directed by Diane Furchess and Paul Morgan
Mistress of ceremonies: Kristin Hoke with co-host Geoff Oldfather
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2008
March 5……At the opening sessions of the Legislature in Tallahassee, Pink Tie Friends, Inc. recognized for the volunteer services it provides to the community
July…………Pink Tie Friends begin publishing an on-line monthly Newsletter
August……. 2009 Calendar Guy and Girls Fighting Breast Cancer – Celebrate Life
Photography by Mitch Kloorfain; Graphics by Mary Anne Seymour
Sept. 22….Friendship Luncheon and Silent Auction with Pink Tie Friends
Oct. ………4th annual Pink Tie Showcase – Celebrate!
Produced by Diane Furchess with Artistic Director Jim Docter, Music Director
Paul Morgan and Betty Saunders
Mistress of Ceremonies: Kristin Hoke with co-host Geoff Oldfather
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2009
August….2010 Pink Tie Friends Calendar – The Light of Hope
Photography by Bob Dobens; Graphics by Walt Hines
Aug. 15… Friendship Luncheon and Silent Auction with Pink Tie Friends
Oct 3 …. 5th annual Pink Tie Showcase – Light of Hope
Produced by Betty Saunders
Co-hosts: Kristin Hoke and Tom Farley
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2010
March… Pink Tie Friends Monthly volunteer meetings expanded to St. Lucie County
August…2011 Pink Tie Friends Calendar – The Gift of Giving
Photography by Gorilla Magic; Graphics by FCEdge
Aug 21… Friendship Luncheon and Silent Auction with Pink Tie Friends
Oct. 2…. Pink Tie Friends Showcase Celebration at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart
Directed by Jennifer and Peter Jones
Oct. 9…. Pink Tie Friends Showcase Celebration at the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce
Directed by Jennifer and Peter Jones
***********************42 patients helped in 2010***********************
