Renovations donated by J.E. Dunn Construction

Last September, a dear friend invited me to visit the Pink House, a unique respite for breast cancer survivors and the Carolina Breast Friends organization. Inspired by CBF founder Kristy Adams-Ebel, this vision became the passion of more than 200 Charlotte women who are breast cancer survivors and members.  The Pink House serves breast cancer survivors in numerous ways by providing Wellness Education, a Library and Computer Research Center, Fitness Center, Nutrition Center, Self-Image Services, Arts & Crafts Workshops, and Counseling Services. When I saw the Pink House for the first time, they were in the midst of the renovation that had been donated by J.E. Dunn Construction. They had done a magnificent job renovating this beautiful historic home, but had no funds to furnish the interior. We held a ladies only “Pink Party” in November to raise money for the interior.  The generosity of the Charlotte community was incredible.  In one evening, we raised enough to furnish the first floor of the house. From there, we approached several vendors and workrooms to see if they would donate their time and talent to help with the cause. Thanks to the donations of the design community, we were able to complete the entire house which opened its doors in May of the this year. We held another “Pink Party” this spring to celebrate the opening and raise funds to help CBF hire an executive director. We were completely humbled by everyone’s kindness and generosity. Not a single person we asked declined to help.  

Painting donated by Kate Long Stevenson

We approached Kate Long Stevenson to see if she would be willing to do a painting in memory of a friend she had lost to breast cancer. Kate created the most beautiful abstract work and dedicated it to “memory of my extraordinary friend, Neil Maddux Miller.  May her vibrancy, grace, and incredible resilience continue to inspire us all. “  The painting resides above the mantel that is now the focal point of the living room where Carolina Breast Friends will hold their monthly meetings.  Neil’s law firm donated her office furniture for use in the Executive Office which was designed by local designer Lee Cooney. To see more of Kate’s work go to www.studiokate.net.

Upholstery donated by Design Services, Inc. Discounted fabrics provided by Cowtan and Tout, Schumacher, Lee Jofa, Kravet and Karen Saks.

Mike and Sabrina Polly of Design Services of Charlotte agreed to donate all of the labor for re-upholstery.  We found several pieces at local flea markets and tag sales (such as the Mint to be Yours Tag Sale last fall). I had worked with Mike for years, but did not know that his wife was also a breast cancer survivor.  It was incredible to see how his workshop turned other people’s cast off furniture into beautiful pieces for the Pink House.

Drapery donated by Custom Window Treatments New upholstery from Charles Stewart through Darnell and Company

Sharon Coppede of Custom Window Treatments is a breast cancer survivor herself.  She agreed to donate all of the labor, lining, and inner lining for all of the window treatments in the house.  The ladies that work in her design studio all donated their time to make the beautiful drapery in the above image. Sharon has joined Carolina Breast Friends and has started mentoring ladies who have recently been diagnosed.

Lampshades donated by Lux Lampshades Accessories donated by Circa Interiors and Antiques

Needlepoint Rug donated by Stark Carpet Blinds through Fine Designs, Inc.

Orchids donated by Pamela Lovett

For more information on the Pink House and Carolina Breast Friends, please go to www.carolinabreastfriends.org.