WATCH: First Coast News segment celebrating Tomika Ivey, Buddy Check Champ!

The third annual Pink Party returned to Center of Hope at Emmett Reed on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with a “Boots on the Ground” theme for 2025. This high-energy event invites the community to take a stand for breast cancer awareness and prevention while celebrating survivors and expert knowledge with a question-and-answer panel, plus information tables from community partners such as Blue Zones Jax and Agape Health. Guests attended in an array of pink colors and many showed off their favorite boots as a symbol of solidarity. The Center of Hope team also wore matching shirts that read, “Give Cancer the Boot!” recognizing Center director Jada Hunter’s own history of overcoming breast cancer after a mammogram on the Buddy Bus.

Featuring a DJ, free food, trivia and prizes, giveaways and more, it was a night full of education, connection and even fun. Breast cancer experts and survivors shared their testimonials and tips on how to survive, thrive and stand up to breast cancer. Octavius Davis, co-host of Front Page Jacksonville on Hot 106.5, emceed the evening, while anchor and advocate Jeannie Blaylock returned to surprise panel member Tomika Ivey with an award and giant cookie cake from Cinotti’s Bakery, naming Tomika the night’s Buddy Check Champ.

WATCH the video from First Coast News above and check out the story here! Congratulations, Tomika!