It's going to be an afternoon of elegance and sophistication with fine dining and entertainment not to be missed at The Balmoral on Saturday at the Luncheon on the Lawn.
From the opening cocktail party to a delicious lunch and attention grabbing fashion show, the luncheon to support the Cancer Caring Centre will be spectacular, said Judy Higgs, a member of the organizing committee.
"It will be a very elegant affair that you will remember. It's the kind of event to which you wear a beautiful dress and hat. The afternoon will start off with cocktails upstairs in the club at noon. At 1 p.m., the luncheon will begin," Higgs explained.
"There will be three wonderful courses, then there will be some music and lots of entertainment. It will be a really nice outing for a good cause. Not only will you have a good time but you will be supporting the Cancer Caring Centre, which is a facility that houses Family Island cancer patients who come to New Providence for treatment."
Flat shoes are recommended for the event, which is on the lawn. Table favors for the ladies will be from Jo Malone, donated by John Bull.
Adding to the elegance of the event, a fashion show coordinated by fashion guru Tyrina A. Neely will be held later in the afternoon. Neely said it will be absolutely fabulous and will feature the hottest looks from the Spring 2012 fashion and resort wear collection.
"We have partnered with numerous local boutiques like Cole's of Nassau, Bahama Handprints, Rubins, Tommy Hilfiger and Splash Dance to show the latest in casual and resort wear. There are lots of great things that are new and vibrant this season that will catch your eye from the bright colors to the graceful styles," she said of the event which will also include The Plait Lady as a partner.
"Currently, colors like tangerine, turquoise, coral and shades of green like lemongrass are the hot colors. Pink is also still big this season, and pastels are also popular. A lot of the fashions that will be shown are new arrivals and are available in the boutiques that are sponsoring the event."
Expect to see Grecian-inspired pieces, casual fun cuts and asymmetrical designs. There will also be handmade accessories by Cute Confections, and some of the latest prints and bags for the season will also be displayed.
"People can really look forward to a beautiful showcase of spring pieces and the hottest trends. This will be spectacular. This event is something for people who just love to give back and are dedicated to helping others. They can attend knowing they will get an event they can thoroughly enjoy," said Neely.
A traditional auction hosted by Ed Fields will add to the excitement. Prizes to be won include a quilt made by Stepping Stone Quilters; jewelry from Coin of the Realm; a trip to Pineapple Fields, Eleuthera for two; a weekend at Highbourne Cay, Exuma; two nights at Dunmore Beach in Harbour Island and a portrait by artist, A.J. Watson.
"Breast cancer is very high in The Bahamas and it affects so many people, so we hope many people will come out. We're anticipating some 300 people to attend - more would be good, but that's a good start. We really have to do what we can to support those in need and an organization that cares," said Higgs.
Bank of The Bahamas International has also signed on to the initiative as the sole sponsor of the Luncheon on the Lawn.
"The setting alone is fantastic, but more importantly, the cause is so important," said Michael Basden, marketing manager at BOB, who serves on the bank's active sponsorship review committee.
"Cancer is a disease that touches all of us and at BOB, we want to do everything we can to assist in education about its causes, prevention and the care of those afflicted.
"The Cancer Caring Centre is especially critical for cancer patients from the Family Islands, many of whom would not be able to sustain treatment in Nassau were it not for the center providing a home away from home, a place of comfort where they can stay while undergoing chemotherapy.
"We have been told that all 10 beds at the center are always full and there is a waiting list. That waiting list could include people for whom immediate treatment could mean the difference between life and death; it could make a difference in the quality of life."
Tickets for the nearly sold-out lunch are $150 and may be purchased by calling Betty Sands at 393-1797 or Carleton Robertson at 328-2625.

Luncheon on the Lawn
When: Saturday, February 25
Where: Balmoral Club, Sanford Drive
Time: Noon
Cost: $150

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