Roasting for Charity

In a packed room of 250 local residents and business owners, Sandy Gilbreath, Assistant Manager of Starbuck's in Jensen Beach, beamed with delight from the turnout for the Starbucks sponsored charity event. "In a time of economic challenges, local businesses have really pulled together for a cause that touches so many people's lives," said Gilbreath.

The event was aptly titled Starbucks Ultimate Roasting Experience, and featured seven tables of silent auction items that ranged from $10 to $500, with some of the higher retail items coming from PGA National Golf, PBG Lifestyles Magazine, Dillards, Firestone Auto and Ulta Cosmetics at Traditions. Other tables featured goodies from local vendors such as: Starbucks, 11 Maple Street, Monica's Café & Bakery and About Taste.

The event required a $10 cover charge. Martin County's Langford Park donated the pavilion for $50.00. "We see the event as being good for the community. Cancer not only affects the person diagnosed, but their family as well," said Jeffrey Hughes, Recreation Coordinator with Martin County Parks and Recreation.

Pink Tie Friends, a 501(c3) not for profit charity, helps provide financial support to individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer that are uninsured or under-insured. The charity, formerly known as Friends of the Breast Care Center of the Treasure Coast, consists of cancer patients, survivors and loyal supporters who volunteer their time for competent care.

"I'm a 3 ½ year breast cancer survivor who has recently been rediagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer in the chest wall. The organization has been very supportive in helping me pay my medical expenses when Medicaid would not cover them," said Shiloh Reynolds, a 32-year-old, mother of two, cancer patient. Reynolds is featured in the Pink Tie calendar with her children. "Without Pink Tie Friends, I could not afford the medical bills in order to be here today. I was devastated to be diagnosed and knowing I can call on the organization for support is a blessing. The Lord is an ocean of blessings," said Reynolds.

The event raised $6,000, including the $1,000 donated from Starbucks "Make Your Mark" program that donates money to charities their partners are associated with. All donations went directly to the Pink Tie Friends organization. For more information on the Pink Tie Friends, please call (772) 785-8730 or visit www.pinktiefriends.org.