Painting Penang pink for breast cancer awareness

Penang was painted pink last weekend to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month as people got together to raise awareness and money to beat breast cancer.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang raised RM17,500 in its ‘Pinktober’ party, as guests donated generously to the cause through ticket sales and a silent auction that offered hotel stays and cruise packages sponsored by Star Cruises and HPL Resorts and Hotels; and beauty products from Sephora and Shu Uemura.

Hard Rock souvenirs for sale for a good cause

Hard Rock Hotel planned several unique attractions for the annual charitable event, including the ‘Pink Show 2016’ cocktail party at its Hall of Fame ballroom that was attended by 200 people.

The event – hosted by well-known stand-up comedian Papi Zak and actress and radio host Mynn Lee – featured a fashion show by online fashion retailer Zalora and swimwear retailer Pink N Proper, as well as performances by the Taj Mahal band.

Dashing models for the Pinktober Fundraiser at Hark Rock Hotel

Guests and visitors were also drawn to a classic pink Volkswagen Kombi van displayed at the hotel lobby to create awareness on breast cancer.

The hotel also rented out pink flamingo and doughnut floats at its swimming pool. Pink is the colour for breast cancer awareness.

More money is still expected to be raised until the end of this month through the hotel’s other programmes in support of the cause.

Hard Rock Penang General Manager, John Primmer and charitable guests

The hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, has been running the programme to support the cause since 2010.  Each year, it invites guests to its ‘Get Into Bed for the Cause’ in October, offering two ‘Pinkrooms’ with luxurious pink sheets, pink duvet covers, pink robes and other pink amenities.

For this year, the ‘pink’ package is bookable until October 31 and 25 per cent of the room rate will benefit the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang.

Meanwhile, the Penang Irish Association (PIA), with the support of businesses FoodFriends Penang, Amee Phillips, The Wine Shop and Eastern Carpet, held its eighth ‘Luscious Ladies in Shades of Pink’ fundraiser to raise money for PIA’s Pink Cancer Fund.

Proceeds from the event will be fully donated to the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital and Hospice House Penang.

The event themed ‘We’re Gonna Love You Through It’ was both stylish and elegant as people gathered to celebrate life and proferred support to family members and friends who are battling cancer.

The ‘Luscious Ladies Day in Shades of Pink’ started in 2009 and over RM300,000 have been raised since.