BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, December 5, 2007 -- International recording artist, Patti Labelle, has been honored for her global efforts in the fight against cancer.  Labelle was presented with a special award, a diamond studded pendant in the shape of a pink ribbon, at the launch event for the Silent Majority Breast Cancer Foundation (www.smbcf.org/) in Barbados on Saturday December 1, 2007 at the Barbados Hilton.

The event, which is predicted to be an annual fund raising effort for the SMBCF and the Barbados Cancer Society (www.barbadoscancersociety.com), was the brainchild of SMBCF founder, Ms. Monica Cooper.

Cooper, a Los Angeles-based casting director and president of Make it Happen Entertainment, will also coordinate  the Caribbean International Film Festival (www.caribbeaninternationalfilmfestival.com), which will take place from April 9 – 13, 2008, in Barbados. 

According to Ms. Cooper, Ms. Patti Labelle was chosen as the guest of honor at the premier function, "An Evening of Wine, Jazz and Hope", based on her personal efforts to aid the cause of cancer throughout the world. 

Over the years, Ms Labelle has given much of her time, personal experiences and celebrity status to champion the fight against cancer following the loss of her three sisters and close friends to the disease.  She also contributes greatly towards Diabetes and AIDS relief. 
 
In acceptance of the award, Ms. Labelle unexpectedly graced the guests with a beautiful rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” accompanied by local jazz band Shane Forrester and the I.O.P. band.

Ms. Labelle also expressed her commitment to help continue the efforts of SMBCF and CIFF, and said she was looking forward to returning to Barbados for the 2nd annual SMBCF “Evening of Wine, Jazz, and Hope,” in 2008.

Honorary Secretary of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr. Dorothy Cooke-Johnson, also received a surprise honor for her tremendous efforts locally in sensitizing the public and raising funds toward research and assistance for cancer patients. 
 
Cooke-Johnson accepted the reward on behalf of the entire team at the BCS, thanking them for the support they continue to give her behind the scenes.

Also in attendance was cancer survivor, Geralyn Lucas, who introduced the screening of “Why I wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy", a film based on her life story in which Labelle also played a supportive chemotherapy patient sharing with the audience her confidence in the strength of the human spirit.

While commenting on the evening’s proceedings, Cooper stated, “This night reflects everything that I intend for the Silent Majority Breast Cancer Foundation to stand for. It marks the beginning of an incredible journey, and as a united force I believe we can turn the page over to a new chapter with a happy ending. We will find a cure.”

A portion of the proceeds from “An Evening of Wine, Jazz and Hope” will be given to the Barbados Cancer Society for its efforts in the cause of breast cancer; most importantly for those women who have already received a diagnosis, and are coping with their challenge. 

With the help of the Barbados Cancer Society, the SMBCF aims to develop youth mentor programs locally and internationally for children of persons affected by the disease.

For more information about the Silent Majority Breast Cancer Foundation, its efforts and events, please visit www.smbcf.org, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the Los Angeles office at 213.341.0669.