Hospital organizes fashion show to help raise awareness of breast cancer
By Stacy L. Graham-Hunt
Record-Journal staff

Mix raising cancer awareness with a fashion show and a martini, and the result is a Pink Partini.
The MidState Medical Center will host its first Pink Partini Fashion Show, sponsored by Medical Oncology and Hematology, P.C., Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Aqua Turf in Southington.
Pamela Cretella, MidState’s communication coordinator, said models will include cancer survivors, Lucille Janatka, the president and CEO of Mid State, as well as physicians, nurses, members of MidState’s board of directors, volunteers and many children of the staff.
“We’re excited to have so many members of our staff support this fundraiser,” said Gail Millerick, director of development. “This is a first-time event, but with enough community support, we can make it an annual one.”
The fashion show participants will model clothes from local retail stores, including Talbot’s of South bury; Kimberly Boutique of West Hartford; The Dressing Room of Wallingford; Diva Kidz of Westfarms Mall, Farmington; and Modern Formals of Meriden, North Haven and Southington.
Gail Millerick said the hospital organized the event to raise money and awareness of breast cancer in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. MidState scheduled the show for November, however, so it would not conflict with another event the hospital hosted last month.
“Anytime is a good time to raise money for cancer research and breast cancer awareness,” Millerick said.
Cretella said there will be hors’ de oeuvres, a chocolate desert bar, and Aqua Turf is making a signature drink for the event called the “Dreamgirl Martini.” Millerick said it probably would be some sort of pink beverage.
There also will be complimentary chair and hand massages in addition to pink ribbon nail paintings.
Cretella said guests also can shop until they drop at the Pink Partini, because the auxiliary’s gift gallery will be sponsoring the “Think Pink Boutique,” and will sell porcelain dolls, jewelry, handbags, body creams and soaps, and signature Breast Cancer Awareness items.
Millerick said she and others involved with the event anticipate 300 people will purchase tickets for the show, at $45 each. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s cancer center. To purchase a ticket, please call Dawn Papallo at (203) 6948742