Ignite the Fight Bridge Lighting & Gala: Komen Chicago to Illuminate the City in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Make a Difference Events Chicago

Susan G. Komen Chicago is gearing up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its 20th Anniversary, and this year it plans to go big. Leading up to the non-profit's "Ignite the Fight Gala" presented by Wintrust, Komen Chicago will turn the city pink with a bridge lighting and a day full of festivities.

Hosted by Mario Lopez, Emmy-winning host of "Extra," the "Ignite the Fight Gala" presented by Wintrust on October 21 is the anchor of the festivities, and those interested in celebrating beyond the "main event" can take part in a Rosé 3K Wine Walk with City Winery Chicago Riverwalk as well as the Raising the Bar Gala After Party hosted by INDISTRY TV at The Virgin Hotel Chicago. The events will celebrate the profound impact that Komen Chicago has made throughout the city over the past 20 years, and will raise funds to enable the organization to continue funding breakthrough research and providing critical breast health services for the underserved. 

The gala kicks off with a bridge lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. led by Ed Wehmer, president and CEO of Wintrust. The river will be illuminated in pink as the Dearborn Street bridge, Clark Street bridge, City Winery Riverwalk and The Virgin Hotel Chicago light up. The Gala begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Westin River North (320 N. Dearborn St.) and will feature NBC5 anchor Zoraida Sambolin, a breast cancer survivor, as the emcee for the evening. The event will honor 20 More Than Pink Heroes for their compassion, bravery and leadership in the fight against breast cancer, including Roz Varon, ABC7 traffic anchor and a breast cancer survivor. Pink ties and pink cocktail attire are encouraged! Tickets are on sale at KomenChicago.org/gala.