Pretty In Pink Foundation Founder To Receive 2010 Soroptimist Ruby Award

Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 6:16 pm

RALEIGH, NC — Dr. Lisa Tolnitch, a Raleigh breast cancer surgeon and the founder of Pretty In Pink Foundation, was named a 2010 Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women recipient. This annual award, to be presented by the Raleigh Club of Soroptimist International at their annual Triangle Women of Distinction Awards Celebration, honors women who are doing extraordinary work, either in their vocation or through volunteering. The Soroptimist Ruby Award recognizes the work these women are committed to doing that directly improves the lives of other women and girls, both in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Tolnitch, principal at Tolnitch Surgical Associates, founded Pretty In Pink Foundation in May, 2004 as a resource for breast cancer patients who needed immediate access to care, treatment and surgical options, but had no means of paying for the life-saving services. A non-profit organization, Pretty In Pink Foundation provides financial assistance, resources and support to under & uninsured North Carolinians diagnosed with breast cancer. By 2020, Dr. Tolnitch and the Pretty In Pink Foundation Board of Directors hope to establish a point of presence in every state in the US .

Soroptimist Ruby Award winners receive a recognition plaque at the annual award event, as well as a check for $500 toward the charity of their choice. The award ceremony will be held in Raleigh at The Fallon Center, located at 2718 Overbrook Drive on Wednesday, April 14th. The opening reception, which includes a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert & wine, begins at 6pm. The awards program begins at 7pm. Each of this year’s award winners will speak briefly about their work. The event is free and open to the public, however a suggested donation of $20 per person to attend is encouraged.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Maureen Hartford, president of Meredith College. Sonya Williams, host and producer of Fox 50’s “Tarheel Talk,” will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies