Pink Ribbon Tea to feature author

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — The Junior League of Youngstown will have its 15th annual Pink Ribbon Tea for area breast-cancer survivors at 11 a.m. Monday at The Georgetown, South Avenue.

Nearly 400 survivors are expected to attend the event designed to unite women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and to celebrate their lives and survival.

The luncheon event will feature a door-prize raffle, Chinese auction and a keynote presentation by Geralyn Lucas, author, professional speaker and breast-cancer survivor.

The event is free for breast- cancer survivors, but reservations are required and may be made by calling the League office at (330) 743-3200.

Lucas graduated with honors from the Columbia University School of Journalism. After landing her dream job at “20/20,” she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 27. Lucas was an editorial producer at “20/20” for seven years before becoming director of public affairs at Lifetime Television.

She left Lifetime in 2008 to work on a screenplay and to continue her advocacy work. The “Why I Wore Lipstick” television movie premiered on Lifetime Television. Lucas lives in New York City with her husband and children.

She remains an activist and a voice for women with breast cancer. More information about Lucas is available at her Web site, www.whyiworelipstick.com.

The Pink Ribbon Tea is a project of the sustaining members of the Junior League of Youngstown. The tea began in 1994, and more than 4,000 survivors have attended the event.

Costs for breast-cancer survivors to attend are covered through personal donations by Junior League members and the support of the event underwriters.

The league is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

It’s the only Junior League in the area, and membership is open to all women in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties.