Last year, Independent National Sales Director Cyndee Gress stated that “a spark had started” at the Gress National Area inaugural Pink in the RinkSM, and their next event would “explode into a blaze.” Her prediction was spot on.
Exhilaration burst in an arena that was “pinked” to the max for the 2nd Annual Pink in the RinkSM, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., on March 6, 2010. The partnership effort with the Springfield Falcons hockey team raised a phenomenal $27,000 for The Mary Kay FoundationSM—more than doubling the amount raised last year and making it the top fundraiser for Seminar year 2009-2010!
Falcons skated in pink jerseys, which were auctioned off post-game, the staff donned pink ties, and fans wore pink while waving custom-made pink foam fingers. A Mary Kay pink Cadillac and a pink Cadillac convertible bordered the arena entrance.
“It’s a labor of love,” says Cyndee. “We have the honor of perpetuating Mary Kay’s legacy. The Independent Beauty Consultants and Independent Sales Directors have the heart of Mary Kay. They really banned together—it was a group effort led by the brilliance of Independent Executive Senior Sales Director Jenny McNulty.”
“Everything came together so well,” says Jenny. The Springfield Falcons were awesome to work with. TD Bank stepped up to be the presenting sponsor, so we were able to donate more proceeds to the Foundation. It was an amazing joint effort of the Gress National Area with organizing help from Independent Senior Sales Director Kristie Britton and Independent Sales Director Leslie List. More than 75 percent of the area attendees drove from Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York to attend.”
By all accounts, driving the long distance was worth every mile to spend time with special guest Karen Rogers, Mary Kay Ash’s granddaughter and vice president of The Mary Kay FoundationSM board.
“It was such an honor to have Karen here!” exclaims Jenny. “She gave us an update on what the Foundation is doing now. Then she held a meet and greet with a question and answer session for us. It was life-changing for many women.”
Independent Beauty Consultant Margaret Pennell sang the pre-game National Anthem. The team also recognized breast cancer survivors on the ice prior to the game.
“Pink in the RinkSM has become an annual event throughout the American Hockey League, and we're extremely proud to join The Mary Kay FoundationSM to support the fight against cancer,” says Christopher Thompson, vice president of business development for the Springfield Falcons Hockey Team. A true partnership has been formed with the Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants and Sales Directors, and we applaud TD Bank for their generous corporate support.”
In addition to the auction, ticket sales, generous business sponsorships, individual donations and ongoing area fundraising activities contributed to the huge success.
“Our area has been touched by both cancer and domestic violence,” states Cyndee. “We cannot sit with this without taking action to do something about it. We have a stellar group of women who give extraordinary energy for the Foundation. Our goal for next year is even more ambitious. A champion’s spirit will always look to better itself!”