A crowd of nearly 200 persons attended a brunch hosted by the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, purchasing donated items and even joining a flash mob to the tune of Pharrell’s hit track “Happy”, all in the name of raising funds for the non-profit organization.

The annual event, Luncheon on the Lawn, held at Old Fort Bay’s Spanish-style Clubhouse, was labeled a success touting a profit of nearly $100,000.

Luncheon on the Lawn is one of many fund-raisers held throughout the year in aid of the day-to-day operation of the Cancer Caring Center.

“The Luncheon on the Lawn is very important to the sustainability of the Cancer Caring Centre,” said Lovern Wildgoose, president of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. “The center plays a vital role in the lives of cancer patients and serves as a support hub.”

The event, currently in its fourth year, began at 12:30 p.m. with cocktails on the clubhouse’s porch, overlooking the lush landscaping surrounding the lawn and offering a breathtaking view of what many describe as the prettiest beach on the island of New Providence.

Aside from eating on the lawn, guests roamed the halls of the clubhouse which were filled with donated items up for sale. There was also a raffle offering prizes of everything from dazzling jewelry to succulent feasts.

Even the men got in on the fun, after a donor offered to make a $5,000 donation on the grounds that the men in attendance put on lipstick – most of them took on that challenge for the good of the cause.

Wildgoose said she and her team are pleased with the event which has attracted nearly double the amount of persons since it began in 2011.

Last month, the organization announced the launch a $3 million fund-raising campaign aimed at expanding the center by adding 16 new rooms and creating the country’s first hospice care facility.

Other events lined up to fund the cause include a telethon, Stride for Life, the Cancer Ball, Love Lights A Tree and the annual raffle.

The Cancer Caring Centre, a three-storey high building, is located in what is generally considered as the heart of the medical community in New Providence.

It consists of 10 rooms, each filled with ambient and natural light, equipped with a small patio for fresh air and furnished to make patients and their families feel at home.

Those staying at the centre assist with making meals in a communal kitchen. They share stories and lend support to one another.
Volunteers who staff the centre along with administrative and medical professionals are never far away.