This year, The Agency’s L.A. team got together to raise awareness for breast cancer across numerous offices. The Agency Malibu and Pacific Palisades hosted a happy hour event on Thursday, September 22 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Sandro Dazzan, Managing Partner of The Agency Malibu, teamed up with Marco Rufo, Managing Partner of The Agency Pacific Palisades, and THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser to organize the event and raise funds for the cause.
It was an evening to support those who have fought or are currently fighting a battle against breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, driving The Agency community to lean into this cause and make a tangible effort to create positive change.
“After meeting with Charlotte from THE BCF and hearing about the organization’s mission, I instantly felt inspired and eager to help in any way I could,” said Sandro. “Growing up with strong women around me, I felt a deep tie to support the cause and knew our office and community would jump at the idea of having a direct impact on patients’ journeys.”
60 guests—The Agency’s clients, friends and family—were in attendance and enjoyed food and drinks and learned about THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser at The Agency Malibu office. The event raised $7,925, which went toward building 20 WeCare packages for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Providence St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica.
At the event, two former breast cancer patients spoke, Charlotte Martin, Director of Giving at THE BCF, and Malibu Dana, a local Malibu resident and proud spokeswoman for the organization. The attendees had a chance to donate, build a bag for a breast cancer patient personally and write a card to the patient. The packages and cards were donated the next day to Providence St. John’s.
“Growing up, I spent an enormous amount of time with my grandmother—she meant the world to me. What I didn’t understand was that she had breast cancer and had a double mastectomy, fought the disease for seven years and eventually died from it,” said Marco. “It affected me my entire life. I am devoted to bringing awareness to the cause and financially supporting American Breast Cancer Foundation in her memory. My thoughts and prayers go to all suffering from breast cancer.”
Additionally, The Agency Beverly Hills office hosted an educational evening event complete with an expert speaker, cocktails and sweet treats.
Agents and guests gathered to listen to the honorary guest, Dr. Kristi Funk, a board-certified breast cancer surgeon and physician, bestselling author, international keynote speaker and women’s health advocate. During the informative discussion, guests enjoyed delicious tacos, pink cocktails, Hampton Water and sweet treats gifted from Vanilla Bake Shop. Chic hats by Lovely Bird and art by The Cubist and Mehrshad Khalili were on display and auctioned off for the cause. The event was photographed and sponsored by Openhousefoto.
“Listening to Dr. Kristi Funk speak in honor of breast cancer awareness was really special,” said Monique Navarro, who spearheaded the evening’s celebrations. “I felt a deep desire to organize an event for our Women of The Agency and was honored by the way our community came together to support this important cause.”
