Nov. 3, 2016

2016 Key to the Cure Benefits TGen

Left: Amy Thurston, Jennifer Dunn and Christine Watson. Right, top: Michael Bassoff, TGen Foundation president; Sue Glawe, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona; Anna Chung, vice president/general manager Saks Fifth Avenue; and Angela Zdrale, marketing manager Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue hosted Key to the Cure on Oct. 28 in the rotunda of the Biltmore Fashion Park store. “Pink” dominated the bistro breakfast and fashion show with the area awash in a deep hue of the color – flowers, table runners and cloths, a sculptural hanging from the top of the rotunda and a ring of pink light around it.

One hundred seventy-vive guests gathered for the occasion. Collectively, with the Guys Night Out event on the previous evening, their efforts raised $180,000 in the charitable initiative to fight cancer. Funds from this event benefit the Translational Genomics Research Institute. In addition to 100 percent of the ticket price going to TGen, guests had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for designer accessories and clothing.

Jeffrey Trent, TGen president and research director, spoke of the research being focused in the area of genomic research and the potential for personalized treatment for diseases such as cancer. His daughter, Jennifer Dunn, who is currently in treatment for breast cancer, shared her experience with discovering her own lump – which turned out to be malignant – at age 33, her treatment and recovery.

The morning culminated in a beautiful runway-style fashion show presented by Saks, with the models circling the rotunda.

Saks generously donated a $25 gift card to each guest, as well as 2 percent of the sales made from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30 to TGen.

Amy Thurston and Christine Watson chaired the event. Flora Bella created the florals, and DJ Rani G. Worldlife Music provided the music.

To see runway fashions, CLICK HERE.

HAUTE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY