The Ellen Hermanson Foundation’s Tickled Pink virtual variety show fundraiser, which was held on Saturday, March 6, has raised $44,000 as of today, March 12.
The foundation — founded by Julie Ratner and created in the memory of her sister Ellen Hermanson, a breast cancer activist and advocate who lost her battle against the cancer at the age of 42 — has a deep commitment to the East End community, giving back by funding state-of-the-art medical equipment and providing breast cancer screenings at The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, as well as its locations in Hampton Bays and East Hampton. Ellen’s Well, a free psycho-social services program, provides individual and group support, as well as other healing opportunities for breast cancer survivors.
The virtual event featured comedy, magic, and much more including award-winning Cabaret artist Valerie diLorenzo, comedian and emerging poet Mimi Gonzalez, stand-up comedian Marion Grodin, solo performing artist Susan Jeremy, comedian, singer, and producer Angela LaGreca, comedian Wendy Liebman, and Madeleine The Magician. The evening was hosted by Shinnecock storyteller, activist, and comic Andrina Wekontash Smith.
Community leaders honored at the event included Sara Blue of the The Ellen Hermanson Foundation and Maureen’s Haven, artist and activist April Gornik of Sag Harbor Cinema and The Church, Evelyn Ramunno of Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry, Shinnecock Indian Nation advocate and educator Marguerite A. Smith, Esq., and healer and survivor Moira Squires, an ICU Nurse and founder of Warriors of the East End.
Women of the East End Media were honored include Nicole Barylski of Hamptons.com, Carissa Katz of The East Hampton Star, Bridget LeRoy of WLIW 88.3 FM, Jessica Mackin-Cipro of James Lane Post, Kathryn G. Menu of The Express News Group, Helen S. Rattray of The East Hampton Star, Victoria Schneps-Yunis of Schneps Media, and Taylor K. Vecsey of Dan’s Papers. (See video below.)
The fundraising goal of the event is to raise $75,000. Donations can still be made by clicking here. Donations will fund programs at The Center, OLA of Eastern Long Island, The Retreat, and the Shinnecock Health Clinic. The entire show is available for viewing on YouTube.