tgin Foundation Hosts 7th Annual Cocktails for the Cure, Premieres “Breast Health” Truck to Support Breast Cancer Awareness in Minority Communities

tgin Foundation- Aris Singleton, Barbara Bates and Dr. Piper Farrell Photo provided by D. Williams Public Relations Group
tgin Foundation- Aris Singleton, Barbara Bates and Dr. Piper Farrell Photo provided by D. Williams Public Relations Group

tgin Foundation Hosts 7th Annual Cocktails for the Cure, Premieres “Breast Health” Truck to Support Breast Cancer Awareness in Minority Communities

The tgin Foundation successfully hosted its 7th annual Cocktails for the Cure gala, an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing breast cancer awareness and support for minority women. Held at The Geraghty, the event brought together supporters, advocates, and community leaders to raise funds and further the Foundation’s mission of educating and empowering underserved communities on breast health.

This year’s event featured the unveiling of the tgin Foundation’s innovative “Breast Health” concept truck, a mobile education unit designed to bring critical breast health information directly to the Chicagoland area’s minority communities. This new initiative seeks to improve awareness around breast cancer prevention, self-examination techniques, and early detection resources. By providing accessible information and resources, the tgin Foundation is working to address healthcare disparities in minority communities, where breast cancer outcomes are often disproportionately impacted by limited access to preventive care.

"The Cocktails for the Cure gala is more than just a fundraiser—it’s mission is to support, empower, and uplift minority women who face unique challenges in the fight against breast cancer," said Dr. Piper Farrell, Executive Director of tgin Foundation. "This event enables us to provide essential resources, education, and support to those who need it most, honoring the legacy of Chris-Tia Donaldson. Our mission is to create a future where women in every community have access to life-saving information and support, and tonight’s efforts bring us closer to that vision."

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a dynamic program, including a live performance by singer Simone Green, and a heartfelt mini panel discussion on breast cancer’s impact in the Black community, moderated by Samantha Chatman of ABC 7. The panel underscored the importance of early detection and regular screening, as well as the tgin Foundation’s mission to ensure minority women receive the support they need throughout their cancer journey. 

During the program the “Champion of Courage Award” was presented to Lorielle Jackson, who is a breast cancer survivor and advocate.

Thank God It’s Natural (tgin) is the manufacturer of natural hair and skin care products which was founded by Harvard graduate Chris-Tia Donaldson who created tgin because she was frustrated by the lack of hair products available for textured hair and desired products that were made with ingredients that she felt comfortable using on her body.

In 2015, Chris-Tia Donaldson was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, she learned that having money could make the difference between living and dying when it came to treating this condition. In her observation, very few organizations existed that provided support and social services to help women with transportation, child care, parking, or seeking disability leave from their place of employment. She created the tgin Foundation, to specifically address these issues and implore women to listen to their bodies.

The tgin Foundation continues the legacy of Chris-Tia Donaldson and is dedicated to providing breast cancer education, resources, and support to underserved communities, especially Black women who face higher mortality rates from breast cancer. For more information, please visit www.tginfoundation.org.

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