Broadway actress Kristin Chenoweth served as keynote speaker at Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s 22nd Go Pink Luncheon, the foundation’s largest fundraiser, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About 1,200 survivors and supporters attended the event in the Mizner Center ballroom at The Boca Raton.
Chenoweth spoke candidly about her family’s experience with cancer, including caring for her mother after two cancer diagnoses. She said she was adopted. She ended her remarks by singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” without accompaniment, drawing a standing response from the crowd. Impact 100 Palm Beach County co-founder Cindy Krebsbach said the song brought tears to many eyes.
Audience questions ranged from Chenoweth’s height to her outfit, a pink pantsuit. Asked how her family kept faith through illness, she credited prayer and courage.
Dr. Louise Morrell, chief medical executive of the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, gave an update on a team approach that covers cancer care, wellness and menopause. Four survivors also shared their stories.
Auctioneer Neil Saffer led a Call to the Heart that raised more than $630,000, double the goal, according to the foundation. Foundation president Mark Larkin and event chair Dr. Robyn Moncrief thanked sponsors, committee members and hospital staff.
