Laura awarded 2006 Lifetime Breast Cancer Heroes Award

Laura Lassman is the President and Founder of Play For P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, and creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including, golf, tennis, swimming, card games, men's tournaments, equestrian events, shopping benefits, spa days, school activities, and wine tastings.

Since 1996, Play For P.I.N.K. events have raised a cumulative total of $12.75 million for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the sole beneficiary of 100% of P.I.N.K. proceeds. Currently, Play For P.I.N.K. fully funds nine of the top researchers supported by BCRF.

In 2001, Laura received the BCRF Humanitarian Award, presented by Michael Bloomberg, President of Bloomberg Financial, at The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Symposium and Annual Awards Luncheon for her work on behalf of Play For P.I.N.K. Currently, she is on the Advisory Board of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Board of Governors at Eastpointe Country Club.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Laura has worked as a Fashion Stylist for Grey Advertising as well as Simplicity Pattern Co. Laura then went on to work for Fashion & Film, a top modeling agency where she negotiated talent fees and contracts for print ads and television commercials.

Mrs. Lassman lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida with her husband, Ira. Her daughter Ellen, lives in West Palm Beach where she works for Norcross Industries. Her son, Nicholas worked at Cantor Fitzgerald until his untimely death on 9/11.

The Lassmans are avid golfers.



q. What inspired you to become involved with Play for P.I.N.K.?
a. In 1990 a golf friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt so helpless. I knew then that I had to do something to make a difference for her and other women. So a group of friends got together and decided to host a golf tournament for breast cancer.

q. In your view, how does Play for P.I.N.K. differ from the many other breast cancer organizations out there?
a. We differ from other breast cancer organizations because we are all volunteers. There are nine board members and not one of us receives a salary. All of the money raised goes to breast cancer research. What also makes us unique is that the board has been together since 1996. We are a team with one goal: to raise as much money as possible for prevention and a cure. We also appreciate the support and hard work of our chairs, participants, sponsors and clubs.

q. What has been most rewarding about leading the Play for P.I.N.K. effort?
a. To see our grassroots organization expand, for the loyalty and trust people have in us, and to know that the money Play for P.I.N.K. raises goes to the finest researchers.

q. Where do you see Play for P.I.N.K. headed in the next five years?
a. I hope that in five years there will be not be a need for Play for P.I.N.K. Until then we will continue our expansion and retain a personal touch. I invite and welcome women and men of all backgrounds into our P.I.N.K. "family".