Krewe de Pink chocolate event benefits Tulane breast cancer research

By Lee J. Green

Krewe de Pink President Emeritus Carol Osborne, a member of the New Orleans Jewish community and a breast cancer survivor, believes that nothing could be sweeter than finding a cure. But a night of chocolates is a sweet step in the right direction.

On July 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Schoen Mansion, Krewe de Pink presents their second-annual “Death By Chocolate Not Breast Cancer” fundraiser to support breast cancer research at the Tulane Cancer Center.

“We survivors have a special bond, a sisterhood. We depend upon each other and share our support,” said Osborne. “With all of our Krewe de Pink events and missions, it was important to us that all monies donated stay here in New Orleans to support our local economy.”

The first “Death By Chocolate Not Breast Cancer” was held in February 2020 and raised $25,000. Its sister fundraisers, the Pink Bra Run, held this past Mother’s Day, and Krewe de Pink prom, also raise money for breast cancer research at Tulane.

Osborne said capacity is limited to 290 and tickets start at $45 per person. Krewe de Pink is working in partnership with Delgado Community College’s Culinary and Pastry Arts Program. Each student will be judged by participating guests on her or his chocolate-inspired dishes — both sweet and savory — competing for prizes. Students in Delgado’s music department will be supplying the musical entertainment.

Krewe de Pink Event Chair Hillery Moise said, “the money stays local and supports the students, giving them an opportunity to give back to the community while strengthening their skills and applying them to the real world.”

This year’s event will be dedicated to the memory of Norma Jane Sabiston, who was one of the 2020 Sweet Six Survivors honored. In 2021, the Sweet Six include Pamela Fields, Sharon Sheridan, Jean Vappie, Carol Woltering, Lil McKinnon-Hicks and Ann Herren.

Osborne, who is also a liver cancer survivor, said the events not only contribute needed support for research, they provide inspiration.

“My blood type is B-positive and that is how I am. I chose to be positive and feel it is a mitzvah to help others,” she said.

Osborne said that Greg Cantrell founded Krewe de Pink in 2011. Cantrell said that “breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women and a disease that has touched someone we know. Yet how to get involved in the fight can be difficult. That is why Krewe de Pink created another fun way for people to support research.”

Tickets for the July 10 event are available here.