I’m still thinking about Gleaux for the Girls, y’all. 🩷💚
Over 2,000 people, more than 130 local breast cancer fighters and survivors, and a RECORD-BREAKING $124,000 raised for local breast cancer patients. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! I mean, how amazing is that?!
The 9th Annual Gleaux for the Girls at Walker Toyota in Alexandria, Louisiana, was one for the books. And getting to play a part in bringing an event this special together? Such an honor.
I’ve been involved in event coordination in Alexandria, LA, and nights like this are such a good reminder of why I love what I do. Because yes, there’s a whole lot of planning, organizing, and running around behind the scenes. But then you get to see it all come together, and it’s pretty special.
2,000 People, a Whole Lot of Pink and Green, and One Amazing Community
If you’ve ever been to Gleaux for the Girls, you know this isn’t your average 1-mile event.
There are tailgates, food trucks, music, friends, families, and SO much pink and green. It’s one of those events where you look around and realize just how incredible our Central Louisiana community really is.
And this year? It was the biggest one yet!
More than 2,000 people showed up at Walker Toyota to support local breast cancer patients. Some came to participate in the 1-mile event, some came to volunteer, and plenty came simply to cheer everyone on.
And that’s one of my favorite things about this event. There are so many different ways to be part of something meaningful.
The Moment That Gave Me Goosebumps
Okay, but can we talk about the survivors for a second? 🥹
More than 130 local breast cancer fighters and survivors joined us this year, and one of the most special moments of the entire night was watching them do a second line to the starting line.
Oh my heart.
With all the excitement happening around us, that was the moment that really got me.
Because as much fun as Gleaux for the Girls is, there’s a much bigger reason everyone comes together. It’s about celebrating these women, supporting those still fighting, remembering why this cause matters, and showing up for people in our own community.
And seeing those survivors make their way to the starting line? That’s a moment I won’t forget anytime soon.
What Goes Into Coordinating an Event This Big?
Now, let’s talk about the behind-the-scenes side of things for a minute.
Because when you see 2,000 people enjoying an event, it’s easy to forget just how many moving pieces have to come together to make that happen.
The tailgates, food trucks, Survivor Happy Hour, 1-mile event activities, volunteers, and all the little details in between. There is A LOT happening, and it takes a whole team of people working together to pull it off.
I had the opportunity to help bring those moving pieces together, working alongside the CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center, the Walker Toyota team, and SO many amazing volunteers.
And let me tell you, events like this do not happen without a whole lot of teamwork!
One thing I’ve learned through coordinating events is that the little details really do matter. It’s not just about what an event looks like. It’s about how everything flows, how people move through the experience, and how all those behind-the-scenes pieces work together.
When those things come together, people get to enjoy the moments that matter instead of worrying about what’s happening next.
And that’s always the goal.
A Little Behind-the-Scenes Reality
There’s something kind of funny about event coordination. When everything is going well, most people have absolutely no idea how much work is happening behind the scenes.
And that’s actually a good thing!
Nobody comes to an event thinking about logistics, transitions, or who’s making sure the next part of the evening is ready to go. They’re there to have fun, spend time with their people, and be part of something special.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, there are a whole lot of people making sure everything keeps moving.
It’s a team effort from beginning to end, and I’m so grateful I got to be one small part of it.
$124,000 Raised for Breast Cancer Patients Right Here in Central Louisiana
And now for the part that still blows my mind.
$124,000 RAISED!!!
That’s a record-setting amount for Gleaux for the Girls, and 100% of the funds raised stay right here in Central Louisiana to benefit local breast cancer patients at the Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center.
How incredible is that?
Every sponsor, runner, walker, donor, raffle ticket purchaser, and volunteer played a part in making that happen.
And what makes it even more meaningful is knowing those funds are going to help people right here in our community. Our neighbors. Our friends. Our families.
That’s what this event is really about.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a big crowd and a record-breaking fundraising total (because seriously, $124,000!!!), but the impact goes so much further than one Saturday night.
The Kind of Night That Reminds Me Why I Love Events
I think that’s what I’ll remember most about this year’s Gleaux for the Girls.
Not just the record-breaking numbers, although those were pretty amazing. Not just seeing all the tailgates and activities come together after so much work.
It was the people.
The survivors making their way to the starting line. The volunteers giving their time. The sponsors and teams showing up. The thousands of people who came out because they wanted to support something that matters.
Getting to help coordinate an event like this in Alexandria is something I’m genuinely grateful for. And working alongside so many people who care deeply about this cause made it even more special.
To the CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation, the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center, Walker Toyota, every sponsor, every volunteer, and everyone who showed up in any way, THANK YOU!
The 9th Annual Gleaux for the Girls was the biggest one yet, and Central Louisiana, y’all really showed up. 🩷💚
My heart is so full.
And my feet are still recovering! 😆
P.S. Whether it’s a community fundraiser, a celebration, or a wedding day, I love being the person helping all those moving pieces come together behind the scenes. If you’re planning an event in Alexandria, Pineville, or the surrounding Central Louisiana area and need someone to help keep things running smoothly, I’d love to chat!
