A Night in Buffalo That Shines Brighter Because It Means Something
Join us for the inaugural Sparkle with Hope Gala—an elegant night dedicated to celebrating courage, honoring survivors, and supporting the women in Western New York who are facing breast cancer today.
This unforgettable evening combines celebration with purpose. Your attendance directly fuels BCN’s mission: providing emotional support, critical education, wellness programming, and tangible resources—like our TLC Totes—for breast cancer patients and survivors across WNY. A portion of the proceeds will also advance breast cancer research through our annual Tree of Hope Research Award.
WHEN: Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Forbes Theatre at 500 Pearl, 512 Pearl St. Buffalo, NY 14202
When you join us, you aren’t just attending an event. You’re ensuring that no woman in our community walks this journey alone.
Event Details
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This semi-formal evening begins at 6:00 PM with a cocktail hour in the WXYZ Lounge featuring:
Open bar (6:00–8:00 PM)
Passed hors d’oeuvres
Silent auction preview and live bidding (open until 8:00 PM)
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At 7:00 PM, guests will be welcomed into The Forbes Theatre for a plated dinner service, including steak and chicken entrée selections (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available). Dessert follows, along with continued access to the open bar until 8:00 PM.
At approximately 7:45 PM, the Sparkle with Hope program begins, hosted by Kimberly LaRussa of Sweet Buffalo, and includes:
Presentation of the BCN Volunteer of the Year Award
Remarks from BCN Board President Michelle Swaggard and Executive Director Rob Jones
Announcement of the 2026 Tree of Hope Research Award recipient
A mission moment honoring the strength and resilience of the women we serve
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The night concludes with the excitement of our Hope for Tomorrow Diamond Drawing, where one guest will win a beautiful one-carat diamond. Tickets for the drawing will be available online beginning two weeks prior and throughout the evening.
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Tickets
$150 per person
Includes cocktail hour, plated dinner, mission program, open bar (6:00–8:00 PM), and access to the silent auction.Silent Auction & Raffle
Our silent auction and diamond raffle support BCN’s programs and services for local patients and survivors.
You do not need to attend the Gala to participate.
Online bidding opens one week prior to the event and remains available until 8:00 PM on Gala night.
Why Your Attendance Matters
Every ticket purchased, every bid placed, and every diamond raffle entry helps fund:
Support groups for patients and survivors
Education and wellness programs
Newly diagnosed patient resources through our TLC Tote initiative
Local breast cancer research through the Tree of Hope Award
By joining us, you’re creating immediate and meaningful impact for women right here in Western New York.
SPONSORS AND AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
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SPONSORS AND AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED |
Interested in getting your business in front of 200 WNYers AND supporting local women impacted by breast cancer? Become a Sparkle with Hope sponsor. With sponsorship packages starting at just $250 we have sponsorship options for every budget. Click below to learn more.
FAQS About the Spark with Hope Gala
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The Forbes Theatre and WXYZ Lounge are located inside the 500 Pearl building (Aloft Hotel).
Parking is available in the 500 Pearl ramp with direct indoor access to the venue. -
Semi-formal means a touch of sparkle is encouraged. You don’t need to be as dressed up as you would for a black tie event, but something dressier than business attire is requested.
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Yes, tickets will be on sale soon, please keep an eye on our socials and visit this page for updates.
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Rob?
JOIN US!
Ready to sparkle with us? With amazing food, silent auction items and a one-carat diamond up for grabs, this event will sell out!