Over 200 support Pinktober at Hard Rock

 Hard Rock Café Saipan put the pink in Pinktober in aid of this year’s breast cancer awareness campaign in the CNMI and the rest of the world.

The event held last Friday-the propitious 11/11/11-brought together local musicians, cancer survivors and their loved ones, as well as other community members all in support of a great cause.

Friday’s event featured high-energy performances from Unplugged Band, Retro Jazz, Badjoe and Ariane, Sublime Dignity Band, the father-and-daughter tandem of Jerry & Jan, The Sai Band, Fatal Hitz, Lion of Judah, High Pitch, and Rated R.

Over 200 folks partied in pink at the event which cost only $11 per person inclusive of one free drink. Percentage of the proceeds will go to Commonwealth Cancer Association, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention, providing patient support services, and serving as the liaison and advocate for caner issues in the CNMI.

Ticket buyers had the chance to win exciting prizes, including the grand prize that included a brand new HTC phone from IT&E, $100 travel voucher from Delta Air Lines, and a gift certificate from National Alamo Car Rental.

Dandan resident Jude Olopai was that night’s lucky winner. In an interview after receiving his prize, he said he bought “a whole bunch of tickets” to support the international campaign to fight breast cancer awareness.

“I absolutely think that a lot of people should support breast cancer awareness efforts,” said Olopai, who disclosed that he has two family members battling the disease. “The reason I wanted to express my support was because of them.”

During the program, cancer survivor Maggie Camacho intimately shared her story about how she felt “scared” and “so alone” when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 53 and encouraged all women to get detected through regular examinations with their physicians. A slide presentation highlighting breast cancer survivors and awareness events was also shown that night.

This year’s Pinktober event also featured a silent auction of donated items as part of its fundraising initiative. DFS Saipan donated two Coach Top Handle Clutches which went to Pat Seman and Robert R. while the Folli Follie watch went to Steve Jang; Barry Wonenberg donated Rainbow Runner ceramic which went to Joe Taijeron; Images Saipan donated Saipan Sunset Photograph which went to Patricia Gershak; and Saipan Sunset Cruise donated a romantic Cocktail Cruise for two which went to Alan Carrasco.

As the event drew to a close, candles were lit in support of those who are still fighting the good fight, those who have survived it, and to honor those who have passed away because of the most common cancer among women across the nation.

“It was an awesome night. I think we even surpassed last night’s turnout. Once again, the community showed its overwhelming support for breast cancer awareness,” Hard Rock Café Saipan operations manager Reynaldo Perez told Saipan Tribune.

With the success of the second year of Pinktober celebration on Saipan, Perez said they hope to do it again next year.