Robin Roberts to speak at fundraiser

By KAT BERGERON
kbergeron@sunherald.com

Robin Roberts, the ABC "Good Morning America" anchor who champions the Mississippi Coast as it struggles through Hurricane Katrina recovery, has taken up another mantle - cancer recovery.

Roberts will be the speaker on Aug. 29, the second anniversary of the storm, at a fundraiser for Pink Heart Funds at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi.

Pink Heart Funds was born in the wake of Katrina when JoAn Niceley realized that cancer patients who'd already lost much in the storm were having difficulty getting wigs and prostheses, such as breast replacements.

The hairstylist and breast cancer survivor put out a pink heart-shaped box at her Hair Studio in Long Beach, and people started donating. The charity luncheon hosted by the Beau Rivage is the latest fundraiser. All the money from the $100 tickets will go into the nonprofit fund to help cancer patients who have limited funds or no insurance coverage.

Roberts, who grew up in Pass Christian and excelled in high school and college sports, became a popular "Good Morning America" anchor in 2005.

Seating for the noon luncheon is limited to 100, so organizers suggest reserving tickets early. Tickets may be purchased at JoAn Niceley's Hair Studio, 7544 Red Creek Road in Long Beach, or by calling 257-9179 or 234-4435.