River City Charities
Pink Tie Gala -- Richmond, VA

In July 2007, Susan Groves, motivated by her 14 year old daughter’s future risk of breast cancer, began planning the 1st Annual Pink Tie Gala to benefit the Komen Richmond Affiliate. It wasn’t that Groves’ mother, aunt, sister, daughter or best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, which makes this charity all the more intriguing! She decided to create the event because the startling national statistic that one out of every eight women has an average risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime put her daughter at risk.

Susan has worked tirelessly since then, even creating her own non-profit organization, River City Charities, to foster the event’s growth and promote breast cancer awareness in her community. The Pink Tie Gala is now one of the premier breast cancer fundraisers in Richmond. Susan was drawn to Komen’s philosophy of giving back to the community, saying, “I wanted to do something that would reach out to the young people in my area and support the local programs rather than all of the funds going to national groups. I felt a strong connection to Komen in my belief that one person can make a difference and I am determined to do my best to do that.”

The original gala sparked a need for more events like it to help keep breast cancer in the forefront of people’s minds all year long; not just October during breast cancer awareness month. It was decided by the board members that the best way to use their skills and services was to form their own organization where they could make a difference. With the decision being made, the process to establish their 501c(3) status started in early 2008. River City Charities was organized in 2008, for the sole purpose of organizing fund raising events that benefit local charity organizations.  Their dominant focus is on breast cancer awareness, research and education. 

This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, October 23rd at the Marriott Richmond Downtown. 100% of the net proceeds are going to the Richmond Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

One of the high points of each gala is the Celebration of Life Dancers. Many of the dancers are amazing women who have not only survived breast cancer but come out with a new outlook on life. Most of the participants have no prior dance experience and only about 12 weeks of rehearsals. These women are asked to perform way outside of their comfort zones, so their strength and bravery are inspirational.

There is also a silent auction with fantastic prizes for the winning bidders. This year they are auctioning off a one week stay in a two bedroom villa in Costa Rica at the Sanctuary Resort and Spa – which is sure to create a bidding frenzy!

In addition to the Pink Tie Gala, River Cities Charities is also involved in The Women’s Wellness Expo and a Charity Bachelor Auction and Shop for the Cure event. 

Founder Susan Groves sums up her commitment and enthusiasm for all of this hard work when she says, “Twenty years from now, if my daughter Katie were to be diagnosed with breast cancer, which I hope will be gone, I will know that I’ve done everything that I can do.”