October 8, 2013
Sin City Goes Pink for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Las Vegas is all about tits and ass... is it so surprising, then, that they would go all out for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? In celebration of their Pinktober campaign, the Hard Rock Caf� has teamed with Bally's headliner, V�ronic, for a roster of events. Other venues in Nevada and neighboring California are also staging events to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
"My show pays tribute to some of the most iconic female voices of all time and it's an honor for me to help give a voice to everyone who has been affected by breast cancer and aid in the fight for a cure," said V�ronic DiCaire, Las Vegas' only female vocal impressionist. She kicked off Hard Rock Cafe's annual Pinktober campaign on Oct. 1 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
DiCaire cut the ribbon with a matching pair of pink scissors, before she sat down to customize her own Hard Rock limited edition Pinktober T-shirt. The hotel invites guests to share their creations on social media using hashtags #makeitpink and #Pinktober. A portion of proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The one-woman vocal phenomenon DiCaire continues to amaze critics and audiences with her pitch-perfect singing impersonations, recreating an astonishing 50 voices during her hit show. Co-produced by Celine Dion, V�RONIC Voices honors some of the world's biggest singers, past and present, who have made their mark on music history.
On Oct. 5, both Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip and Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas at Hard Rock Hotel guests joined the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk to help finish the fight against breast cancer.
Guests can visit Hard Rock's Rock Shop throughout the month of October to customize Hard Rock's classic T-shirt and make it pink for the cause. All events at Hard Rock Cafes in Las Vegas benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure�, an organization dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front.
Other related events include an Oct. 18 Ani DiFranco concert at Hard Rock Caf� on the Strip, and a Mobile Mammovan Event from 8:15-a.m.-3:15 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Hard Rock Hotel.
For the full Pinktober event lineup, visit www.hardrock.com/lasvegas.
California Values Breast Health
In nearby California, entertainment venues are keeping breast cancer prevention high on their list of priorities. In San Francisco, Feinstein's at the Nikko is donating all the profits from the Kanpai Lounge to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
The lounge will offer specialty cocktails like Strawberry Fields and the Coconut Raspberry Martini in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and will illuminate the hotel's exterior with pink lights outside, and pink accents throughout the interior and on staff uniforms.
And in Long Beach, the Queen Mary's Ballroom will swarm with fashionistas on Oct. 12 when the Pink Ribbons Crusade and Breast Cancer Angels will present "Runway Alive in Pink," a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Set amidst the Art Deco elegance of the Queen's Ballroom, once the gathering place for ocean traveling glitterati, the Breast Cancer themed fashion show will highlight apparel and accessories from the designers Diana favored most. Included will be ensembles and one-of-a-kind items by Marisa Baratelli, Mia Bella Couture, Renee Strauss, Catherine Walker, Christian Dior, Versace, Valentino and other celebrated fashion names.
In keeping with the royal theme, the models will include California titleholders led by Miss California 2013 and Miss America Runner-Up, Crystal Lee who will be performing ballet and Miss California 2012, Leah Cecil.
"Each October we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month -- as a celebration of life and survival. While noting the passing of its victims, this anniversary period proactively recognizes the global effort to combat the disease while honoring and uplifting those struggling daily and those having won their personal battle with breast cancer. Our fashion gala seeks to address each of these messages while adding a touch of Diana glamor to the conversation," said the Queen Mary's Director of Special Events Steve Sheldon.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
