Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Tickle Me Pink Luncheon, sponsored by Gateway Medical Center, was held Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Wilma Rudolph Events Center to support After Breast Cancer (ABC).

The Clarksville Area YMCA hosts the ABC program, which provides support for women who have been affected by breast cancer. Women are teamed up with Pink Ribbon Personal Trainers and nutritionists who help them through the recovery process. Read more about the ABC program.

Amanda Cherry with the YMCA said ABC is funded partially by donors and sponsors, but that the Tickle Me Pink Luncheon plays a pivotal role in fundraising. “It really makes or breaks the ABC budget every year,” she said.
The event was moved to the Wilma Rudolph Events Center this year to accommodate the large amount of sponsors, and Cherry said the organization sold 50 more tickets than the previous year and had a total of 19 sponsors.

Before lunch, vendors set up booths for shopping and a silent auction. Afterward, breast cancer survivors who have gone through the ABC program modeled some of the latest fashions, courtesy of Belk. “We were excited to have them here, because it’s really special to be in a room with people who we are raising money for. They are why we are here today,” Cherry said.

Leanne Morgan, a comedian from Knoxville with ties to the Clarksville area, was the featured entertainer, and the crowd roared with laughter during her skit.

Amanda said although the event touches on the serious nature of breast cancer and the ABC program, this particular event was geared toward having fun.

Sponsors:
• Gateway Medical Center
• Belk
• Legends Bank
• First Advantage Bank
• F&M Bank
• 5 Star Radio
• Valerie Hunter-Kelly
• Byers and Harvey
• Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union
• US Bank
• Heritage Bank
• Jack Turner and Associates
• Daymar Institute
• Ellis, Sneed and Struble
• ClarksvilleOB/GYN
• Cumberland Bank
• Planters Bank
• Regions Bank

Committee Members:
• Katie Gambill
• Christy Batts
• Beverly Taylor
• Melanie Hadley
• Khandra Smalley
• Kathy Ellis
• Erinne Hester
• Cheryl Dufrane