Vera Bradley Foundation raises more than $900,000

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Vera Bradley Foundation raised more than $900,000 during the 18th annual Vera Bradley Classic. All of the money raised will go toward finding a cure for breast cancer.

This year, there was a unique twist at the end of the celebration. More than 100 people took part in a flash mob to announce the grand total for fundraising: $945,185.

"It's just a phenomenal thing to get all of our golfers, all of our sponsors and volunteers together in one place under that huge tent here to celebrate,” said Catherine Hill, Executive Director of the Vera Bradley Foundation.

More than 800 people filled an enormous tent at Sycamore Hills. Folks attending the event entered on a street lined with pink ribbons, each telling a story. Many participants had lost a loved one to breast cancer.

"It's just an indicator of someone else who cares about finding a cure for breast cancer," said Hill.

The money raised will go directly to an IU medical research facility, funding the search for a cure.

"We are in an era where we have lots of progress in terms of breast cancer research,” said Harikrishna Nakshatri, Co-Director of the breast cancer program. “Science is exploding. But to translate that into the clinical arena, we need private money."

For an organization known for being colorful, the event ended with a unique celebration by folks hoping to give the gift of healing.

"Breast cancer's quickly becoming a treatable and beatable disease,” said Hill. “So I now know a lot of survivors too and I want to know more of them.”

The total amount raised in 2011 surpassed 2010’s total, which was $800,000

In the 18 years since the Classic began, the foundation has contributed more than $13 million total toward a cure.