' ' ' Living in Pink' ' ' is an organization dedicated to aiding breast cancer research. It was founded in 2004 by two-time breast cancer survivor Michele Conley. Living in Pink is a volunteer organization and 100% of the profits go to local research and awareness programs. ^[1]

1. == History == In 2004, Michele Conley decided to start and organization dedicated to raising money for local research and awareness programs. The goal of the organization is to help find a cure so that the next generation of women will not have to endure the emotional and physical pain of breast cancer surgery and treatment. They help to fund breast cancer research through the sale of their products, sponsorship, and fundraising events. ^[2]

1.1 === Founder: Michele Conley === Michele Conley, a Chevy Chase, Maryland, resident, is a mother of four, a State Farm agent, and a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed in 1997 at the age of 35. She went through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery treatments to fight it. Five years later, the cancer had returned and to fight it, she had a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. Her mother has also been affected by breast cancer as well. Michele participated in Peeke Performer’s, led by Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD. Through this she found that she had a lot in common with other mothers and businesswomen who, like her, were breast cancer survivors. She found that fighting breast cancer could unexpectedly be a positive and life-changing experience for all those involved, including the patients, their family, and friends. ^[3] Michele maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. She played volleyball at the University of Maryland and now she keeps in shape through running and tennis.

1.2 === Other Organization Members === Living in Pink is made up of Michele Conley, the Founder and President, Dr. Pamela Peeke, Chief Medical Advisor, and Naomi Henderson, Director of Strategic Planning. ^[4] There is also a 10 member made up of other dedicated hard-working women. ^[5]

2. == Fundraising Events ==

2.1 === Living in Pink Luncheon === Living in Pink organizes an annual luncheon in October that raises money through the donations of sponsors, luncheon attendees, boutique sales and individual donors. The First Annual Living in Pink Luncheon, on October 8, 2004 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC, raised $55,000 dollars, all going towards breast cancer research. The luncheon includes a boutique, guest speakers, a raffle, and lunch. Tickets cost $135 a person. ^[6]

3. == Merchandise and Sponsors ==

3.1 === Merchandise and Retailers === Living in Pink products include Under Armour clothing, notecards, jewelry, keychains, tennis balls, umbrellas, and shoes. A detailed link to the product catalogue can be found on the Living in Pink website. The 27 different items that can be purchased from Living in Pink can be ordered via phone and fax with credit cards and PayPal accounts. The revenue generated from the merchandise is an important aspect of the organization’s ability to raise money. ^[7]

3.2 === Sponsors === Sponsors and Partners of Living in Pink are divided into categories based on the amount donated. “Gold Luncheon Sponsors” include Georgetown Media Group and Clark Charitable Foundation. “Silver Luncheon Sponsors” include Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., Sidwell Friends School, Under Armour and Via Media. Additional individuals are recognized on the organization’s website. Links and additional sponsors can be found on the Living in Pink website under the link titled “Sponsors and Partners”. ^[8]

3.3 === Donation Recipients === Living in Pink makes donations to various organizations in the effort to fight breast cancer. On April 15, 2008 the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center received a $35,000 donation to assist in the research of breast cancer treatments. This specific donation was presented at the Living in Pink annual luncheon. ^[9]

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