(MURFREESBORO) The historic Murfreesboro square was filled with laughter and live music Saturday (9/21/2019) night for the 8th Annual Wine Around The Square.

The evening of progressive wine tasting was blended with a mix of delicious local cuisine and live music. It all benefited the Power of Pink. Temps in the low 70s attracted a large group representing diverse age groups.

2019 Honoree

Dr. Gloria Bonner was this year's Wine Around The Square honoree. She is a product of local public education, including MTSU and TSU. In her career, she was diagnosed as having breast cancer. Thankfully, she earned the title "survivor"!

She retired as Assistant to the President in the Office of University Community Relations and a member of the President's Cabinet at MTSU. She was granted the prestigious title of Dean Emeritus in recognition of her distinguished leadership and service to the University and the academy of higher education.

Little did Dr. Bonner know that five months into her retirement she would be diagnosed, for the second time, with breast cancer.

"Survivor" continues to be her title, and she is a strong supporter of the oncology treatment offered here at Ascension's St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. In fact, Dr. Bonner is currently paying it forward by mentoring other breast cancer patients navigate the life changing experience from diagnosis, surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy in supportive ways.

A Night of Fun

The evening began with a delicious party and dinner at Puckett's. Then the main event was enjoyed by all from 6:00 until 9:00PM. The late party began when the cupola clock chimed nine times.

The Power of Pink program began more than a decade ago in an effort to provide awareness, education and diagnostic services for those who have not been screened for breast cancer in the Rutherford community. Founded by Patty Marschel and assisted by Rita Ash, Leslie Akins and Caroline Lampley, financial support has steadily increased, enabling the efforts to reach hundreds of local women.

Creating Dreams

Proceeds from the event will provide screening mammograms for uninsured, underinsured and indigent women in our community, pay for a portion of the nurse navigator's salary at The Center for Breast Health, and provide a portion of operating funds for the Saint Thomas Health - Susan G. Komen - Power of Pink "Our Mission in Motion" mobile mammography unit as it travels through Rutherford County.

Last year Wine Around the Square raised $240,000 to support the Power of Pink. And over the past 12 years, the Power of Pink has raised more than $1,275,000 for the fight against breast cancer in our own Rutherford County community.

To put that in better perspective, 2,500 potentially life saving screenings for women in Rutherford County have been provided by this event.

In addition, $19,289.86 in funding has funded the Mission in Motion Mobile Mammography Coach to cover 166 charity mammogram events in Rutherford County.