Ball tackles cancer awareness

The 2nd Annual Pink Tie Ball, which was started last year by Florida A&M University’s former Surgeon General Cortney Surrency, was held on Sunday.

It was created to raise awareness and money for breast cancer while getting the Tallahassee community involved.

Kristin Solomon, 20, the Student Government Association Surgeon General, said the event is very important.

“The ball was something me and the deputy surgeon general, Lark Mitchell, knew we had to continue because breast cancer impacts so many of our lives,” Solomon said.

The ball took place in Kleman Plaza’s courtyard; balloon arches and a pink carpet greeted guests as they entered the tent.

Dressed in pinks ranging from soft to hot, guests took pictures against the city’s skyline and flourishing pink decorations.

Along with a three-course meal, guests were treated to music from a band and song from Quinton Stroud.

Stroud said he wanted to sing something special for the women who were dealing with the illness.

“I sang ‘So High’ by John Legend, because he’s saying regardless of what they may encounter in life, their love will be even stronger and go even higher,” said Stroud, 20. “For women dealing with this disease, I wanted it to be a song that inspired them to love themselves and the people around them despite their circumstances.”

Along with music and dancing, Benicia Mitchell, 21, a fourth-year mathematics student from Triangle, N.C., performed an inspirational dance that received a standing ovation.

Matthew Hillman, 20, said the event was enjoyable.

“The entertainment was great,” said Hillman, a junior business administration student from Orlando. “It was appropriate for the event and [it was] entertaining at the same time.”

To add to the excitement, an on-site silent auction was also conducted with prizes from Gold’s Gym, Victoria Secret’s PINK line, Women’s World gymnasium and a host of other items.

However, individuals in the silent auction tent were almost in an uproar when people began to stand over prizes to make sure that no one else placed a bid.

Despite the uproar, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will receive almost $1500 in proceeds from the ball.

Gregory Woodall, the chief of staff for SGA said he was impressed with the event.

“I am extremely proud of the work that Lark and Kristin put into this event as well as the other members of SGA,” said Woodall, 22. “It is amazing to see people come together for such an awesome event and a worthy cause.”