Words of thanks: 2023 A Walk at the Zoo

On behalf of Shades of Pink Foundation and the community we serve, thank you for helping to make SOPF A Walk at the Zoo on April 29 a huge success! This annual event is a springboard for our fundraising efforts throughout the year, and its success is essential to growing our investment in the community.

Our supporters have been unwavering in their commitment to the foundation and those it serves, and that was certainly evident at this year's Zoo Walk. The morning was filled with love, warmth, hope, camaraderie, joy, friendship and community.

To our sponsors, our major foundation donors, our 98 teams comprised of walkers and survivors, our 100+ volunteers, our 20 vendors, our three dance groups, our allies and advocates, we could not have done it without you! A special shout out to the 2023 Zoo Committee who worked tirelessly for months to plan and execute this inspiring event.

I am thrilled to share the impact of your involvement. Thanks to your generous support, we surpassed our fundraising goal of $250,000. With the funds raised at this year’s Zoo Walk, SOPF will assist over 100 individuals and families in our local community, helping them navigate the devastating financial costs of a breast cancer diagnosis.

The numbers only tell part of the story, however. This event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community for a shared purpose -  honoring survivors and those who have walked on this journey of breast cancer, spreading awareness about SOPF, and reaffirming our belief in why we do what we do.

I cannot thank you enough, each and every one of you, for your generosity and kindness. Eighteen years ago, I co-founded this nonprofit organization and I never imagined the outpouring of support the foundation would receive for breast cancer patients in need, and the positive impact we continue to make through our collective efforts. Your contributions are vital in helping us continue our mission to reduce financial stress for those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan by providing prompt funding for daily living expenses.

We look forward to your continued support at next year's SOPF A Walk at the Zoo on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Thank you again for your commitment to this event and to our mission.

With my deepest appreciation,
Dr. B (Pamela Benitez, M.D.)
SOPF Co-founder, Zoo Committee Co-chair

*Photo credit: Ferdinande Fotography