On Tuesday, We Wore Pink: Inside The BCRF’s Annual Hot Pink Party

After two consecutive years of virtual celebrations, the BCRF s annual Hot Pink Party was back and brighter than ever. While most gala dress codes seem to be up for interpretation, last night s guests gladly obliged the evening s theme. A sea of elegant gowns and tuxedos colored in shades of pink in honor of breast cancer awareness could be seen entering 12th Avenue s The Glasshouse, the venue for the night.

Actor and Global Ambassador of The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign, Elizabeth Hurley, returned as the evening s host, wearing a dazzling blush-toned sequin Naeem Khan gown. Twenty-seven years ago, Evelyn Lauder, founder of BCRF, asked Hurley to get involved in building public awareness about the disease, a mission that Hurley continues to this day. "It s such a relief to be able to connect with people… When you see this room full of generous donors, to thank them in person for supporting BCRF through thick and thin all this time, when the world s been going through hell, to remember us is great," Hurley told Vogue. 

A bright carnation-colored red carpet greeted guests and a trail of pastels florals guided the way to cocktails. And just before 7:00 pm, a kismet on-theme cotton candy sunset offered guests something to marvel at. Notable gala goers included Vera Wang, Ivy Getty, Nina Garcia, Lili Buffett, Zac Posen, Radhika Jones, Jill Kargman, Emma Myles, and more.

The palatable enthusiasm of the evening is with just cause—the soiree honors brave breast cancer survivors while showcasing the groundbreaking accomplishments and research the BCRF has made possible. BCRF is proudly the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide and the highest-rated breast cancer organization in the U.S. 

The evening began with a vibrant cocktail hour of auctions and playful pastel mixed-beverages, followed by a delightful seated dinner. On stage, Gretta Monahan honored her dear friends June Jacobs and Rochelle Jacobs with the Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award. The award honors those who lovingly support breast cancer survivors through their treatment process without any blood or marital relation. 

The surprises remained plentiful throughout the night, starting with a virtual message and performance from honorary co-chair Sir Elton John of "Your Song," honoring the BCRF leadership of Myra Biblowit, who is stepping down after nearly three decades of impeccable service as president and CEO. A video tribute honoring Myra s impact included the likes of Rita Wilson, Malika Andrews, Giuliana Rancic, Leonard Lauder, and Amy Robach. Biblowit spoke of BCRF s core principles of optimism, excellence, and love, with an unwavering commitment to funding clinical trials and science to end the loss of life from breast cancer.

Of course, the fundraising didn t conclude as the dessert plates were cleared. Author and benefit auctioneer Lydia Fenet returned to the stage, politely peer pressuring money out of attendees for a good cause. There are few other events where one might witness $1 million additional dollars raised in less than 15 minutes by eager attendees generously donating with one shared hope: eradicating breast cancer through funded research. In total, a record-breaking $8.5 million was raised to support life-saving breast cancer research.

The evening concluded with a surprise live performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle, who had guests giddy and dancing to a powerful rendition of "I ll Give You Everything," followed by a setlist of her greatest hits, including "Lady Marmalade" and "On My Own."