Volunteers and Power of Pink committee members prepare to welcome guests at the third annual Power of Pink event held Sunday, Oct. 1. From left are Janet McCully, Amy Smith, Barb Klotz, and Jacinda Metz. Photo provided by Julee Rauch.

News Release

LEESBURG — “We exceeded what we raised last year and that makes me happy. I hope to see everyone next year, this has become a tradition,” said Julee Rauch, chairwoman for The Power of Pink committee.

The third annual Power of Pink, to raise money for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, was held at Tippecanoe Lake County Club Sunday, Oct. 1. The event was sold-out with more attending than last year.

The dining room was a sea of pink and guests decked out in various shades of pink. The tables included flower vases filled with various flowers in shades of pin. Pink macaroons were placed at each setting and Brew City Roasting company provided the special brew POP coffee.

All guests were greeted with a glass of pink champagne, Teena Nichols and Todd Biller playing the piano and guitar, while guests looked over the items for auction and caught up with friends.

Welcoming guests.

Rauch welcomed the guests and spoke about the KCCCF, noting to date the fund has given out a little over $105,634 and helped over 62 people.

“As long as there is a need, we want to keep this fund going and growing,” stated Rauch.

When it came time for the auction of numerous purses, there was such high energy and everyone wanted a bag.

The bags were modeled by Cole Koontz, Brody Duncan and Cohen Silveus, members of the Warsaw Football team. They modeled bags from Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and a very custom bag made especially for the event by a local artist.

Lutheran Health Network had a table in the lobby promoting breast cancer awareness.

While the numbers are still being tabulated, the purse auction brought in close to $9,000 and the pink purse raffle raised $1,200. The highest bid for a bag was $1,200.

Rauch was helped in organizing the event by Lisa Rosales, Janet McCully, Barb Klotz, Amy Smith, Tami Baumgartner, Jacinda and Jason Metz. Joy Lohsee and Lois Borkholder helped the committee welcome ladies as they registered.

The dining room at the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club was a sea of pink from the table decorations to attire worn by guests attending the annual Power of Pink fundraising event for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund. The event was highlighted by an auction of numerous purses and bags. Photo provided by Julee Rauch.