A crowd of nearly 200 persons attended a brunch hosted by The Cancer Society of The Bahamas, purchasing donated items and even joined 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 "Luncheon on the Lawn" event held at Old Fort Bay's Spanish-style clubhouse was labeled a success and touted a profit of nearly $100,000.

"Luncheon on the Lawn" is one of many fundraisers held throughout the year in aid of the day-to-day operation of the Cancer Caring Centre.

"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 with cocktails on the clubhouse porch.

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 supporter 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 number of attendees since it began in 2011.

Last month, the organization announced the launch of a $3 million fundraising 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 consists of 10 rooms. Each features ambient and natural light and a small patio for fresh air; the rooms are furnished to make patients and their families feel at home. Those staying at the center assist with making meals in a communal kitchen. They share stories and lend support to one another. Volunteers who staff the center along with administrative and medical professionals are never far away.

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