The Riverwinds Restaurant shimmered in shades of pink and sparkle on Oct. 18, as women from across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and even New York gathered for the Tiara & Pink Luncheon, a cancer awareness and wellness fundraiser celebrating courage, survivorship and community spirit.
The event was organized by community leader Valarie Padgett and drew a crowd of supporters, survivors and advocates determined to keep the message of hope against cancer alive. The luncheon encouraged every guest to “feel like a queen” for the day by donning tiaras in honor of those who continue to fight and those who’ve triumphed over the disease.
Lisa Witherspoon, secretary of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, shared how the idea came to life.
“Our friend, Valarie, called me and asked if I would like to help her start a cancer awareness fundraiser,” Witherspoon recounted. “She wanted to have it at Riverwinds Restaurant, and I thought every woman should feel like a queen and wear a tiara.
“The color pink was a no-brainer, since it represents cancer awareness for women, so Tiara & Pink was born.”
Among luncheon attendees at the West Deptford restaurant was Sapana Raval, vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club and member of the Cultural and Diversity Committee.
“My commitment to community health and well-being drew me to attend,” she explained. “As a community leader, I recognize the importance of supporting initiatives that foster awareness, support and education around such a critical issue.”
For Raval, one of the most moving moments at Tiara & Pink came during survivor speeches.
“The most memorable part of the afternoon was hearing a courageous woman share her journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery,” she noted. “Her story reminded everyone of the importance of perseverance and the power of community support in overcoming life’s challenges.”
Witherspoon reflected on another defining moment of the event.
“The moment that stood out the most,” she recalled, “was when we all took a picture together to show our solidarity with everyone we know who’s dealing with cancer.”
Attendees described the theme Pink & Tiara as one that perfectly encapsulated empowerment and resilience.
“The tiara reminds us that every individual affected by cancer is a queen or king in their own right, deserving of respect and support,” Raval emphasized.
As the luncheon concluded, Witherspoon – who confirmed Tiara & Pink will be an annual event – amplified the need to continue the fight against cancer.
“It’s important for the community to keep awareness alive and to support the cause so that everyone going through the stages of cancer feels seen and supported,” she noted. “We have to continue the fight.”
