Submitted photo Breast cancer survivors gathered at the B the Light fundraising gala at the Royal Oak Event Center in New Ulm on Oct. 28.

NEW ULM — B the Light, a not-for-profit organization in New Ulm with the mission of creating support, connection and hope for breast cancer survivors, raised $125,000 at its second annual fundraising gala. The theme was “Illuminate Hope,” and was held on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Royal Oak Event Center in New Ulm. There, they welcomed a sold-out crowd of over 400 guests.

The formal “pink tie” event featured live and silent auctions and a video presentation showing the history and deep impact of B the Light regionally. Attendees learned more about the organization’s programs the significance of the support for local survivors through Hope Getaways, Hope Handbags, ReLight Retreats, and Survival Fitness. After the program, socialites danced the night away to music by DJ Andy Christensen from Up All-Night Entertainment.

The event was made possible by over 30 local businesses that were monetary and in-kind sponsors of the night. The eight live auction items brought in over $30,000 in donations. Items included a private dinner for ten and a trip to a secluded island overwater bungalow resort in Belize.

In addition to those eight items, two large pieces of artwork were created by local survivors during a pilot Art Therapy program provided by B the Light just this year. Those were auctioned off as well, raising $6,200

Amber Melby, survivor and founder of B the Light said, “I was so grateful and in awe at the outpouring of community support for this event. To see people rally around this cause was truly amazing.”

To learn more about the organization and its impact, please visit www.bthelightinfo.org