Berwyn flower shop hosts breast cancer research fundraiser this weekend

BERWYN – Alan and Marlene Comella of the Violet Flower Shop in Berwyn have been making something important happen for the past three years, and are about to make it happen again.

On Saturday, the Comella’s will host the Flowers for Hope fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, from noon to 9 p.m. outside the store, 6704 W. 16th St., Berwyn.

In fact, the street will be closed in front of the store to accommodate a dunk tank, food, beer and wine, clowns, face painting and eight live musical acts.

And for those who like the color pink, you’ll love the look of the store. The Comella’s have taken the pink theme color for breast cancer awareness and incorporated it into the decor of the store. And yes, there will be plenty of pink flowers for sale at the event.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Breast Cancer Research Association.

Last year, despite bad weather, the Comellas raised $10,000 for the foundation, and Marlene Comella said they hope to top that this year.

It’s a cause that comes straight from the hearts of the couple.

“One year we had five people, friends and family, who had breast cancer,” she said. “Three of them didn’t make it.”

To date, more than 100 raffle prizes have been donated for the event, Comella said, and volunteers are lining up to offer their services.

“We had to turn bands down because they know it’s for a good cause,” she said.