Taylorsville restaurant pinks out for breast cancer

Each year, Taylorsville restaurant owner Vanessa Chrisafis asks her staff and patrons to “pink out” as part of her pub’s annual Ladies Night Out event. Since 2008, Vanessa’s Corner Pub, located at the corner of Route 26 and Route 27, has hosted this fundraising event bringing the local community together in support of a common cause - to support breast cancer research, awareness and advocacy. The Ladies Night Out event started in the early afternoon with fun activities, food specials and local entertainment and patrons stayed until the wee hours of the morning in support of this fundraiser. This year’s event raised $7,120.00 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Mount Airy, a local 5K fundraising walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society and exceeded last year’s figures by over $2,700.00.

Traditionally held on the second Saturday in October, the VCP Ladies Night Out event featured a cornhole tournament, silent auction, raffles, vendors, a DJ and a live band. The community pitched in by donating items for a silent auction and many regular patrons volunteered to help in various capacities at the restaurant to assist serving the standing room only crowd. VCP patron Dave Spielman constructed boards that were used for the cornhole tournament fundraiser and generously donated the custom painted boards as silent auction items after the tournament.

“I started the event because I wanted some way to help fight cancer as well as do something for the local community,” states Chrisafis. “I myself had a brush with cancer, as well as family members, close friends, and patrons. So I wanted a fun night for the ladies to let loose, have a great time and support a great cause.”

Chrisafis and staff started planning the 2014 event just weeks after last year’s successful fundraiser. “It’s become a competition of sorts. I try to raise more funds each year,” said Chrisafis.

Chrisafis wished to thank her many donors who provided items for the auction including, “We could not have done it without National Republic - Donna Ward, Reliable Churchill - April Douville, and Michael Heinbauch, Velvet Lounge - April Reardon, and Wastler Automotive - Dave Wastler to name a few. “

“Cancer has touched so many families, but ever little bit helps finish the fight against cancer. I hope we see a cure in my lifetime, Chrisafis added.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk took place on October 19, 2014 in Watkins Park, Mount Airy, Maryland.

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Pictured from left to right, Mary Ford-Naill, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Committee Member, Jessica Fouche and Vanessa Chrisafis, Vanessa’s Corner Pub, and Katelyn Mock, Making Strides Specialist, American Cancer Society.