Think pink to defeat cancer

Cassie Van Zeyl, organiser of the event.

By Danielle Kutchel

Party lovers and cancer warriors are invited to kick up their heels while kicking cancer to the curb at an upcoming fundraising cocktail event.

A Touch of Pink Cocktail Party promises to be a post-Covid spectacle while also raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, to contribute to game-changing research to stop deaths from this horrible disease.

Brentwood Park Primary School teacher Cassie Van Zeyl has spent over nine months planning the epic event, which she hopes will not only raise funds for a wonderful cause, but also help members of the hospitality and entertainment industries get back on their feet.

Her passion for the subject is driven by a personal touch; she counts many breast cancer survivors amongst her family and friends and has long supported fundraising projects for breast cancer like the Mother’s Day Classic.

Last year, she reached out to La Porchetta Rowville with the idea of holding a post-Covid fundraising party for the cause, and was delighted when they came on board.

Since then, around 70 sponsors from within the local community have also joined the event with donations and contributions of their own.

“It was the most beautiful combination of positivity I have seen in a really long time,” she recalled.

“It was like a domino effect in the community, because everyone was excited to go to a fundraising event that’s unique, and it’s obviously for an amazing cause.”

Over 40 businesses have contributed to a raffle to be held on the day, with prizes including high tea vouchers and hampers.

Entertainment will be provided by Pulse Entertainment and magician Johnny Balance.

As the day gets closer, Ms Van Zeyl said she’s both relieved the event will go ahead, and grateful for the support of so many to put it together.

“I think it restores hope in the community – people love to know there’s normality and people are still happy to contribute to the community and raise money for charity,” she said.

“I want them to feel like part of a bigger purpose.

“I want them walking away from the party feeling … happy and whole.”

A Touch of Pink Cocktail Party will be held on Saturday 17 April at La Porchetta Rowville, from 12pm-3.30pm.

All money raised on the day will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The ticket price includes over three hours of canapes, a complimentary drink on arrival and freebies including showbags.

Tickets to A Touch of Pink Cocktail Party are selling fast and are limited – visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-touch-of-pink-cocktail-party-tickets-141651295839 to book.