What started as a small charity event at the Jersey Shore three years ago is now a large Midtown Manhattan event.
PinkFest, a benefit event that helps raise money for working women with breast cancer, was founded by Southbridge Towers resident John Parker, his best friend Joe D’Urso, and Lisa Kull.
When his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, Parker had just learned of the recent diagnoses of two of his good friends from college, and D’Urso had just lost his own mother to the disease. In the midst of commiseration and frustration, he and D’Urso came up with the idea to create a fun event that would involve their friends and raise funds for women who need it. D’Urso’s band plays the event each year.
John and his wife Lisa have lived in Southbridge for the past 20 years. She and their 7-year-old daughter Kaitlyn help out with the event.
“It’s a bit of a late night,” John said of his oldest daughter, ”but I might get her there for a little while as I do make a point to let her know how important it is to be involved in charitable events.”
The event benefits Cancer and Careers. “A lot of women end up having to miss months of work,” Parker said. “Some employers don’t know how to deal with it.”
To date, PinkFest events have raised over $65,000. The fourth annual PinkFest will take place on Wed., Oct. 21, from 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. at The Hard Rock Café in Times Square. The event will feature an open bar, food, and live music. Tickets are $60 in advance, or $75 at the door, and can be purchased at www.pinkfestbenefit.com.
