About The Luncheon
Thanks to the generous support of the Greater Cincinnati community, the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund’s Pink Ribbon Luncheons have raised over $2 million dollars to provide breast cancer education and early breast cancer detection services for all Tri-State women as well as support services to women newly diagnosed with  breast cancer.
This fall will mark the 11th year of the annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon celebration. The event, which has grown to one of the largest afternoon fundraisers in the city, has sold out over the past three years, drawing over 1400 women, community leaders, and business executives from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Emceed by Carol Williams and Cris Collinsworth, the luncheon hosts notable speakers and performers that "wow" the audience each year. For this year's event, the Pink Ribbon Luncheon committee is thrilled to welcome Grammy Award Winning Star and four-time Country Music Award Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride!
Previous speakers include New York Times bestselling author Nora Ephron, Celebrity Chef Cat Cora, Country Music Sensation Lee Ann Womack, Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres, entertainer Diahann Carroll, and author and healer Dr. Andrew Weil. The Pink Ribbon Committee includes: Karen Cassidy, Holly Collinsworth, Lori Daniels, Nancy Fehr, Ellen Knue, Carol O'Brien, Penny Pomeranz, Meggan Sulfsted, and Lynnette Wyler.
Growth of the Pink Ribbon Luncheon
 Since 2002, the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund has kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting The Pink Ribbon Luncheon, an annual October fundraiser that supports the Pink Ribbon programs.
In 2002, Vickie Girard, author of There’s No Place Like Hope gave an inspiring talk to more than 600 women who attended the inaugural luncheon to show their support for the Cincinnati launch of The Pink Ribbon Programs. Funds raised from this luncheon went towards funding the Pink Ribbon Bag program.
In 2003, Dr. Jerri Nielsen, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Ice Bound, spoke to over 750 women at the Pink Ribbon Luncheon and chronicled the story of how she diagnosed and treated her own breast cancer while trapped in the South Pole. Funds raised from this luncheon provided support for the Pink Ribbon Mammogram Match and Bag programs.
In 2004, over 1100 people attended the luncheons and were treated to a speech by award winning author Anita Shreve. Funds raised at the 2004 luncheon provided seed money to create the ProScanPinkRibbonCenter in inner city Cincinnati, the first free-standing mammography clinic aimed at primarily serving women without health insurance with little or no access to quality health care.
In 2005, over 1200 women attended The Pink Ribbon Luncheons. Guests were treated to inspirational lectures by authors Geralyn Lucas, author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy and Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles. Funds raised from this luncheon supported the ProScanPinkRibbonCenter in Over the Rhine, which had opened its doors a month prior in September of 2005.
In 2006, the Pink Ribbon Luncheon celebrated its fifth birthday. Empowering over 1250 attendees to take charge of their health, world-renowned speaker and best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil encouraged the audience to take a proactive approach to their health and well-being . Celebrity furrier Dennis Basso also joined the festivities, unveiling fashions from his fall line. Funds raised from this luncheon provided support for the newly created Pink Ribbon Empowerment Program (PREP), a culturally competent, age appropriate outreach program that reaches underserved women.
In 2007, legendary actress, singer and entertainer Diahann Carroll spoke to 1350 attendees about her battle with breast cancer while reflecting on life experiences as an actress, wife and mother. Funds raised from this tea-party themed luncheon provided support for increased outreach efforts and the acquisition of two 15 passenger Pink “Cruisin’ for a Cure” vans that provide transportation to and from a mammogram appointment for those patients needing it.
In 2008, Olympic phenom Dara Torres inspired 1400 attendees with her riveting story on her rise to Olympic fame and becoming one of the top female swimmers of our time. Funds raised from the picnic themed luncheon provided support for a state-of-the-art digital mammography machine and targeted education and outreach efforts through the “What’s Best for my Breasts” program for the women of our community.
In 2009, Country Music Sensation Lee Ann Womack wowed a crowd of 1350 attendees at the 8th Annual “Gems and Jeans” themed luncheon. Funds raised from the event benefited expansion of The ProScan Pink Center Over the Rhine and underwrote Breast MRI exams for low-income, uninsured women.
In 2010, Celebrity Chef Cat Cora commanded the stage while demonstrating some of her favorite recipes. Throughout the event, Cat shared her cooking expertise and personal life experiences as well as discussed how to live well by eating healthy yet delicious foods. The 9th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon recorded more total funds raised collectively through ticket sales, live and silent auctions, sponsorships, and general donations than ever before.
In 2011, film director, producer, screenwriter, and New York Times bestselling author, Nora Ephron captivated the audience with her unique honesty and humor. During her talk, Ephron - whose screenwriting credits include When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and Julie and Julia - showed her ability to spin snafus into great stories. She spoke about her life experiences, lessons she has learned along the way, and how every women can 'Become the heroine' of her own life. In tandem with Ephron's talk, the 10th Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon marked a decade of service to women and celebrated the lives of all of those who have been touched by breast cancer.
In 2012, Martina McBride entertained a sold out audience with a striking live performance of some of her greatest hits including "I'm Gonna Love You Through It", a song dedicated to women battling breast cancer. Between songs, McBride spoke to the audience about her life as a mother of three girls and performed many of her songs geared towards women's issues. Guests were on their feet dancing and swaying to the music.
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