Tahiti-themed party to fight ovarian cancer raises $25K

FORT SMITH — The Golden Living dining hall was transformed into an island paradise on Saturday (Aug. 25) as supporters showed in droves for TEAL Night in Tahiti to benefit the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Coalition. TEAL (Take Early Action and Live) included a night full of dinner, dancing and drawings for jewelry.

The idea for Night in Tahiti came about just four months ago, when the cancer coalition’s organizers decided to restructure the chapter and branch out further into the community. Formerly associated with the national ovarian cancer organization, the local chapter joined forces with the state group this year and began brainstorming for a way to raise both funds and awareness to fight ovarian cancer.

“Over the last five years, our group has hosted several lunches and small awareness events throughout the community,” said event co-organizer Liz Martin. Often known as the silent killer, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

“Earlier this year, we decided to start raising funds to support efforts in our area. We began planning this event just four months ago and it is amazing how it has all come together,” she added. “The community’s response has been truly overwhelming.”

The group’s efforts paid off, with a sell-out of all 350 advance tickets for TEAL Night in Tahiti. Organizers expected to raise about $25,000, with all the proceeds going toward initiatives in the Fort Smith area.

Part of the Arkansas Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the River Valley chapter “exists with the purpose to educate the public about the signs and symptoms [of ovarian cancer] effecting the women of Arkansas.” Its membership is composed primarily of individuals who each have been personally impacted by the disease. The group works to save lives by “disseminating information on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer research, and resources available,” with the goal of educating every woman in the state of Arkansas.
 
Tickets for TEAL were $30 each. Many purchased tables for $100 in honor or memory of loved ones who had battled the disease. Event sponsorships ranged from $500 to $5,000. KFSM TV-5 anchorman Daren Bobb and former Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady were emcees for the event.

Upon arriving, guests were all given leis to wear and were treated to a sparkly island beverage of their choice. All ovarian cancer survivors were presented with special teal-colored leis. Survivors and supporters dressed in their best Caribbean-attire, with many sporting the event’s signature color.

Dinner featured a Tahitian-inspired menu consisting of chicken and fruit shish kabobs, ham and vegetable shish kabobs, spring rolls and an Asian rice pilaf. A tropical fruit salad and a green salad with chili mango dressing were also served. Topping off the island feast was a fruit and crème mini-tart.

More than 40 items, donated by area businesses and individuals, made up the silent auction, which lined the halls leading to the dining area. Prizes up for bid included framed artwork, vases, gift certificates and various Razorback gear. Several big-ticket items, including a football autographed by University of Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson, were among the most popular of the auction.

For $10, guests could also purchase a chance to win one of two jewelry prizes. Volunteers, including12 year-old ovarian cancer survivor, Emilie Couch, modeled the pieces throughout the evening. Emilie proudly sported a sterling silver beaded necklace and bracelet set from Tiffany’s, right alongside her teal-colored bracelet supporting ovarian cancer research and support.

Brian Schleicker was the lucky winner of a DeBeers diamond pendant necklace, donated by Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith. Ann Hatcher took home the Tiffany’s jewelry.  

Following dinner, guests took to the dance floor and enjoyed music provided by the group Bajer. Throughout the evening, pictures of special guests, honorees and survivors were featured on the dining room screens. A tribute wall with pictures of survivors in attendance was also in display in the entryway.

Its symptoms are usually less obvious than those associated with many other cancer forms and warning signs generally do not appear until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.