Josephine Connolly to be honoured as life patron of In The Pink

Former Minister of Tourism Hon. Josephine Connolly will be honoured as life patron of In The Pink in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the fundraiser and its work supporting the National Cancer Society of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Connolly has been involved since the fundraiser began 18 years

Karen Whitt of the Hartling Group, who hatched the In The Pink shopping extravaganza, which has now become a major support of cancer awareness and persons inflicted with the disease, announced the appointment during a press conference on Thursday, 1 October 2026, to launch this year’s event at the Palms Resort, outlining plans for this year’s event, themed “Divas United in Pink.”

Whitt said Connolly has been involved since the fundraiser began 18 years ago and has remained a driving force behind its success.

Her contribution extends beyond hosting a shopping room on the night of the event. Whitt credited her with promoting In The Pink throughout the year, securing donations and encouraging support for the Cancer Society.

Among her contributions was a Kia car donated for a previous raffle.

Whitt explained that a core group of committee members agreed Connolly’s sustained involvement deserved formal recognition.

“We really need to recognize this commitment,” Whitt said, describing Connolly’s contribution to the event and its year-round preparations.

The appointment is permanent, rather than an honour that will rotate among supporters each year.

Connolly was unable to attend the press conference because she was in South Korea for a Kia convention. However, Whitt said she had joined a committee Zoom meeting from South Korea the previous week, demonstrating her continued involvement in preparations.

According to Whitt, Connolly became emotional when told of the decision and graciously accepted the honour.

“She just was so touched and so moved,” Whitt said, adding that Connolly expressed her appreciation for being named an ambassador for In The Pink.

Shanice William Smith attended the press conference on Connolly’s behalf and is assisting with this year’s fundraiser.

The recognition comes as In The Pink marks an 18-year history, with its upcoming event representing the 17th staging following a pandemic interruption.

Whitt said the fundraiser has generated just shy of $900,000 for the National Cancer Society and expressed hope that this year’s proceeds could bring the cumulative total to $1 million.

The funds support patients and families throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands who are affected by cancer, helping the Society provide financial assistance and practical and emotional support.

Connolly’s appointment recognises the years of work behind those contributions as organisers prepare for another evening of shopping, entertainment and community fundraising at The Palms.