Ryan Williams, a senior at High School North, is one of the models for the fifth annual “In the Pink” fashion show and silent auction on Friday, October 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin at Forrestal Village, Plainsboro, to benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Center of the YWCA Princeton. Breast cancer survivors, along with their family members, supporters, doctors, and nurses, will model fall fashions from area retailers including Dandeline Shop, Eastern Mountain Sports, Incredible Me!, J. McLaughlin, and KiKi D’s. Tickets are $80.
Williams, 17, a Plainsboro resident, will model with her aunt, Gwen Williams, who works in Plainsboro, and her grandmother, Eloise Jennings Williams, to honor the memory of her mother, Susan Williams, who lost her battle with breast cancer May 29 in the University Medical Center at Princeton. She was a document service coordinator with the law firm of Frommer, Lawrence and Haug, in New York City.
Born in Teaneck, Ryan has lived in Plainsboro for close to 13 years. She runs winter and spring track and field. Community service activities include Princeton Alliance Youth Group and BCRC at the YWCA. Her sister, Benee Williams, graduated from High School South, Class of 2002, and is a student at Rutgers University.
“I became involved with the project because my mother was involved with the YWCA in the recent months before she has passed,” says Ryan. “This is my first project with the organization.”
Hosted by the Breast Cancer Resource Center of the YWCA Princeton, and supported by the University Medical Center at Princeton Breast Health Center, Howard Design Group, and Mercer County Woman, the evening promises to be a moving reminder of the unified team that supports each woman as she battles this disease. An official pink ribbon-cutting ceremony will launch October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The evening also features a cocktail reception, floral centerpieces designed by area florists and entered into a design competition, and both silent and live auctions presenting jewelry, theater tickets, dinner certificates, dance lessons, gourmet gift baskets, services for pampering and self-indulgence, and hotel stays.
The proceeds from “In the Pink” benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Center’s free programs and services that include support groups, private counseling, lunch and learn sessions, mind and body wellness activities, a wig and prosthesis bank, a peer support network, and a resource library.
“My mother was an enjoyable person, always in a happy mood; very talkative and social, she had many people who loved her,” says Ryan. “Before she became ill she became involved with the YWCA. I think she would be very proud to see her family involved in such activities to help move forward the research for breast cancer.”
In the Pink, Breast Cancer Resource Center, Westin at Forrestal Village, Plainsboro. Friday, October 2, 6 to 9 p.m. Reception, silent and live auctions, and fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors, their husbands and children, doctors, nurses, and social workers. Business attire with a hint of pink. Register. $80. 609-497-2100. www.ywcaprinceton.org.
