ALX Pink Gala Returns to Alexandria on Sept. 25, 2026

The ALX Pink Gala returns Sept. 25, raising money to help local women access breast cancer screening, diagnostics and care

Mary Wadland 8 minutes ago

0 2 minutes read

ALX Pink Gala Print 300dpi CMYK — Guests mingle and enjoy bites during a previous ALX Pink Gala, where a sea of pink sets the scene for an evening supporting greater access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic care for local women. Photo: Purple Onion Catering Company

Alexandria, VA – Imagine walking into the soaring Atrium at Above ALX Community and finding yourself surrounded by pink.

Pink gowns and jackets. Pink bow ties and shoes. Pink cocktails and decorations. Survivors, doctors, business owners, neighbors and friends — all gathered in one of Alexandria’s coolest event spaces for a party with a purpose.

The 2026 ALX Pink Gala returns Friday, Sept. 25, at Above ALX Community, 277 S. Washington St., raising money for Alexandria-based Breast Cancer Collective and its work helping local women access potentially lifesaving breast cancer care.

High above Old Town, the venue offers sweeping views of Alexandria, Washington and the Potomac River — a spectacular backdrop for a night of food, drinks, music, dancing and a whole lot of pink.

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The Reason Behind All That Pink

Formerly the National Breast Center Foundation, Breast Cancer Collective works to remove financial and other barriers that can prevent local women, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured, from receiving mammograms, diagnostic testing and follow-up care.

Alexandria breast surgeon and founder Dr. David Weintritt has seen those barriers firsthand.

“Our mission remains clear,” Weintritt said. “To improve breast cancer survivability by expanding equitable access to screening, diagnostic care, and follow-up treatment.”

And the Gala makes a measurable difference.

ALX Pink Gala 2 Print 300dpi CMYK — A sea of pink fills Above ALX Community during a previous ALX Pink Gala, bringing supporters together for an evening that helps expand access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic care for local women. Photo: Purple Onion Catering Company

“The Pink Gala is more than one evening,” said Kelly Grant, co-owner of ALX Community. “Last year, the support raised through this event helped make more than 1,000 mammograms and diagnostic tests possible. This year, we’re coming together again to expand access to care and help more people get the answers and support they need.”

When the Mission Becomes Personal

For breast cancer survivor Dayna Blumel, a longtime Old Town and Del Ray resident, that care became intensely personal.

Blumel has recalled the phone call she received from Weintritt after her diagnosis.

“Dayna, you’re going to be fine. I got you. I’m your quarterback. We’re going to get you through this,” she remembered him telling her.

“It was the most pivotal phone call I’ve ever gotten in my life,” Blumel said.

After chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy, Blumel said she was cancer-free and healthy.

Her story puts a face on the reason behind the Gala’s sea of pink — and why access to timely care matters.

Come for the Party. Help a Local Woman.

The Gala begins at 7 p.m., and “Pink Tie optional” gives guests plenty of license to have fun with their attire.

So wear the pink dress. Find the pink bow tie. Enjoy the rooftop, dance and raise a glass with friends.

Because on this particular night, having a great time can also help a woman in our community get the breast cancer screening and care she needs.

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