DANVILLE — Five dollars goes a long way at the first Passionately Pink for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Event, sponsored by Dem Gyrlz Motorcycle Club.

For a $5 ticket, a person gets a light meal; the chance to hear speakers and testimonials and watch demonstrations; and educational bags filled with breast-cancer information. Plus, there will be items raffled off.

The luncheon event will be noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Knights of Columbus hall. At 8 p.m. that night, a benefit dance will start, called Pink and Black Party for a Cure.

All proceeds go to the Provena Regional Cancer Center, which will be undergoing renovations.

Tickets prices are low this year because the club wants to reach as many people as possible, president Melissa Turner said. The hall seats about 260, so people are encouraged to get their tickets early, Turner said.

The club wants to get information out to the community so people — both men and women — realize the importance of early detection and know what steps to take in the event of a cancer diagnosis.

“Unless it truly happens to you, you don’t pay attention,” she said.

She wants people to realize there is a 95 percent cure rate when breast cancer is detected early. People hesitate to get mammograms, but they need to do so, she said, and worry about other issues, such as insurance, later.

“Cancer is a major fungus which we have to deal with,” she said, adding that men also are susceptible to breast cancer.

Dem Gyrlz has been working with Angela Lazzell, development specialist with Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation.

“We’re excited they’re doing this,” Lazzell said. “We’re thrilled we’re going to be the recipient (of the fundraiser).”

The cancer center will undergo renovations so the environment matches the quality of care, she said, and it’s a comfortable setting for patients.

Lazzell also is impressed with the club’s work, saying, “They’re doing a nice job. They seem to be extremely organized.”

Members of the New Horizons breast-cancer support group will speak at the luncheon, and other survivors will speak, as well.

Turner said the Oct. 23 event will feature a wig-fitting demonstration by Jill’s Wig Boutique.

The event also will feature an emcee, registration/meet and greet, breast self-exam demonstration, health-care professionals, PowerPoint presentation, memorial tribute, beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Plus, participants will get pamphlets about breast cancer and what steps to take if they’re diagnosed.

“We’re giving people information ahead of time,” she said.

Turner said the Passionately Pink event will be even bigger next year.

Dem Gyrlz is a non-profit club formed in 2008, and made up of women who share an interest in motorcycles. However, the members are interested in doing activities to help the community, Turner said. Its projects include promoting motorcycle safety among riders, providing college scholarships to area high school seniors and volunteering their time.

FOR TICKETS

The Passionately Pink for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Event will be from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Knights of Columbus, 310 Bryan St. Black/pink casual attire is recommended but not required.

Tickets are $5 at the door; by calling Melissa Turner at 497-1794 or Tedrone Sherfield at 260-0417; or by e-mailing demgyrlz@yahoo.com

The Web site is http://www.demgyrlzdanville.com

A dance will be from 8 p.m. Oct. 23 to 1 a.m. at the K of C. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door.

All proceeds from both events will go the Provena Regional Cancer Center. If you’d like to make a donation, send a check to: Dem Gyrlz M/C, P.O. Box 2306, Danville IL 61834.