Breast Cancer Foundation Gala Sets New Fundraising Record

By Stuart Wilson

The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation set a new fundraising record at its 2026 Gala, making the event the most successful fundraising evening in the organisation’s history.

Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, on 3 October, the Gala welcomed 650 survivors, thrivers, supporters, sponsors and friends from across the Cayman Islands for an evening of celebration and generosity.

Funds raised will support the Foundation’s year-round work, including its Wellness Programme, Early Detection Programme and Extended Early Detection Programme, alongside practical and financial assistance for patients during treatment and recovery. This support includes access to mammograms, ultrasounds and diagnostic investigations, as well as wellness services during treatment.

“Seeing 650 people in that room was incredibly powerful,” said Kim Lund, Board Member of the Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation. “We had people who have walked this journey themselves, families, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and supporters all coming together for one purpose. The generosity was extraordinary, but what moved me most was the sense of community. Every person in that room is helping us make sure that no one facing breast cancer in Cayman must face it alone.”

Special guest speaker Dr Corrine Beaumont, founder of Know Your Lemons, brought the evening’s focus on breast health and early detection into the spotlight. Pink décor was complemented by playful touches of yellow and lemons in recognition of her visit.

The Foundation is a proud partner of Know Your Lemons, and its entire team has trained as Lemonistas. The initiative makes potentially life-saving breast health information accessible, memorable and empowering, supporting the Foundation’s growing emphasis on education and early detection. Its aim is to help people in Cayman understand their breasts, recognise changes and know when to seek medical advice.

“Having Corrine with us was about so much more than having a wonderful guest speaker at our Gala,” said Beverly Edgington, Chief Operating Officer of the Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation. “Our responsibility is to support people not only after a diagnosis, but before it - through education, early detection and access to the right care. Know Your Lemons gives us another incredibly powerful tool to help people take ownership of their breast health. We were delighted to bring Corrine’s message to Cayman and to have her experience the incredible community that supports our work.”

Dr Corrine Beaumont said:

“Cayman is truly a special place. What an incredible experience to be part of the gala and spend the evening celebrating the extraordinary work of Breast Cancer Cayman. Witnessing firsthand the generosity of this community and its commitment to making early detection a reality for everyone on the island was deeply inspiring. Cayman is showing the rest of the world what’s possible when a community comes together to fight breast cancer. I can’t wait to return and continue building on our partnership.”

MC and auctioneer Vicki Wheaton guided proceedings and kept the evening running smoothly as guests competed enthusiastically for an impressive range of auction lots, with bidding becoming frantic at times.

Among the highlights were a membership generously donated by Meraki Spa, a privately curated dining experience at The Residency Kitchen at Palm Heights, and the newly launched Murder Mystery Experience from Butterfly Theatre Arts, which added a new dimension to the auction.

Premier André Ebanks and Deputy Premier Gary Rutty provided a distinctly Caymanian highlight when they volunteered to be auctioned, offering guests the chance to compete against the country’s leaders at pickleball. The room erupted as bidding gathered pace. Both leaders graciously agreed to play twice, securing the opportunity for two delighted winning bidders to enjoy what promises to be a memorable and highly competitive afternoon on the court.

Although October provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and funds, the Foundation stressed that its work continues throughout the year and that the money raised must translate into tangible help for people affected by breast cancer in Cayman.

“October gives us an opportunity to have a much bigger conversation, but the work continues every single day,” added Edgington. “We never want breast cancer to become just a pink campaign or a single month on the calendar. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story. The incredible generosity shown at this Gala means we can continue to provide practical support, invest in early detection and be there for people throughout their journey – all year round.”

The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation thanked every sponsor, donor, auction contributor, volunteer and guest who helped make the 2026 Gala its most successful to date. The record-breaking response reflected the community’s commitment to supporting people affected by breast cancer.