John Bull Goes Pink for 11th Annual Pretty in Pink Fundraiser

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – More than 200 women filled John Bull’s flagship store on Thursday evening, dressed in their best pink outfits for a night of shopping, fun and support.

The Pretty in Pink event has grown over the past 11 years into one of the country’s most recognized annual fundraising events for the fight against breast cancer.

It is sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island, John Bull, Coldwell Banker and Lightbourn Realty.

The evening raised funds for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas’ Family Island Programme, helping women access mammogram screenings and treatment in New Providence. Founder of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, Susan Roberts, says the growth of the initiative is both inspiring and emotional.

Susan Roberts – Founder, The Cancer Society of The Bahamas

“You just cannot imagine. Because my mind goes back to the beginning, and it’s like, this cannot be true. And then when I see what we’re doing, and I know what we’ve done and what we’re building, it’s just mind-boggling. Very exciting.”

Representing Blue Lagoon Island as a co-partner of Pretty in Pink, Kelly Meister says the event’s journey shows how much community support has helped carry the mission forward.

Kelly Meister – Co-Partner, Blue Lagoon Island

“Those that have gone through it, to remember those we’ve lost, but more importantly, most importantly, to raise funds for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, which helps their Family Island Programme bring women in to get screenings or treatment. And we’re so proud.”

Corporate partner Inga Bowleg, chief commercial officer for John Bull Group, and Coldwell Banker co-partner Heather Lightbourn-Calper both say support for Pretty in Pink shows how corporate social responsibility can make a difference.

Inga Bowleg – Chief Commercial Officer, John Bull Group

“This party is our 11th celebration of survivors. We remember those who we’ve lost, and we come together to shop for a cause. Retail therapy is real, and it happens here at the flagship store every year as we raise funds for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.”

Heather Lightbourn-Calper – Co-Partner, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty

“We had board members that were breast cancer survivors, and in reaching out to the Cancer Society for talks to our group, we discovered that The Bahamas has one of the highest breast cancer rates per capita in the world. So we just wanted to find a way to raise awareness, raise funds.”

In addition to raising awareness, the event was also about having a good time. Attendees browsed perfumes, jewellery and accessories, enjoying retail therapy while celebrating survivorship and supporting the Cancer Society’s mission.

Among them was breast and lung cancer survivor Charlotte Albury, who says cancer should not define you.

Charlotte Albury – Breast and Lung Cancer Survivor

“I had breast cancer and lung cancer, both at the same time, and because I got breast cancer, they were able to detect that I had lung cancer because of the tests I had to do. So it is so important to listen to your body and to go to see a doctor when you don’t think something is right. It saved my life 18 years ago.”