Our Story

 Shades of Pink was established in 2017 by a trio of dedicated and business savvy women - Kat Coopersmith, Sarah Allan and Sarah Pederson.

Eastern Health’s Breast and Cancer Centre was under construction at Maroondah Hospital and created an opportunity for the girls who were looking for a platform to give back to their local community. They could raise funds to donate to this facility and in turn play a part in a wonderful cause - supporting women with breast cancer. Inspired by all things ‘Pink’ they quickly settled on the name for their charity - it would be known far and wide as ‘Shades of Pink.’

Dedicated to supporting a cause close to their hearts, the dynamic trio decided to host a ladies luncheon to engage the local community and create awareness around this new facility. And, they did just that!

The first Shades of Pink Ladies Luncheon was held in August 2017, which saw over 150 women attend Bramleigh Receptions in Croydon for a stylish and festive luncheon. Filled with seasonal blooms, pink hues and emceed by Jacqui Felgate, guests enjoyed a three course lunch with bubbles whilst mingling with friends and making new connections.. This first event was a huge success - raising over $30,000! This donation enabled the funding of an Oncology Allied Health Clinician for the newly opened Breast and Cancer Centre. This meant women experiencing breast cancer could have a clinician attend their home.

The Shades of Pink events portfolio has grown since that first luncheon in 2017 - and the committee has changed over time too, with Sam Bishop joining the committee in 2019.

Since 2017, Shades of Pink have held a further three Ladies Luncheons which have contributed to raising an additional $200,000 for the Breast and Cancer Centre. 2019 saw the inception of the first Shades Of Pink Diamond Race Day which saw couples, friends and families converge at Yarra Valley Racing for a day of fashion, fun and fillies! Another resounding success, this event is now an annual addition to the calendar with its popularity, attendees and monies raised increasing each year.

Shades of Pink’s events are highly sought after on social calendars. If you would like to be kept up to date with what's happening on the Shades of Pink calendar - please subscribe for early notifications.

Thank you for sharing our journey x

Our Team

Inspiring business savvy Mother’s Kat Coopersmith, Sarah Pedersen and Samantha Bishop continue to support a cause close to their hearts. The dynamic group decided to create a movement on raising awareness to make an impact in the local community; hosting a ladies lunch tailored to raise funds for Eastern Health's new Breast Cancer Centre. In 2019 they are adding to their event portfolio with ‘Shades of Pink Diamond Raceday’ at Yarra Valley Racing

Kat Coopersmith

“After my Mum’s experience, I wanted to help other women diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Kat is a mother to three wonderful children - Sam, Hannah & Ellie. Before she started her family, Kat worked in the car industry for 10 years and once her first child was born, she decided to stay home and raise her family. Unbeknown to many, during this time and in her ‘spare’ time, Kat also worked alongside her husband Brett with the Eastern Health Foundation.

After her mum’s diagnosis of breast cancer in November 2012, Kat’s personal experience with her mums journey led her to narrow her focus - to raise breast cancer awareness in the local and wider community. This idea led to the conception of Shade of Pink.

Aligned with Eastern Health since 2011, Kat looks forward to a continued and rewarding partnership to benefit her local community.

Sarah Pedersen

“Local women connect with Shades of Pink because it directly benefits patients at Maroondah Hospital. We all want to be a part of the bigger solution of providing great local care.”

A proud mother to four girls, Charlee, Ruby, Lucy and Sophie and wife to Cameron. A dedicated teacher who works four days and on her day off, adores attending dancing and cheerleading lessons with her children.

When hearing about the new breast cancer centre being built it was a natural reaction to get involved. Having several family members and friends being diagnosed with breast cancer and having three girls herself, the thought that they one day they might face the demon scared Sarah. Sarah loves being involved with her gorgeous friends in giving back to the community, and fundraising for the incredible centre.

Samantha Bishop

“It’s wonderful to have a platform in Shades of Pink, to raise awareness of this non discriminate disease and support those and their families affected..”

Mum to Liam and Ethan and husband to Matt, Sam has recently joined the Shades of Pink committee after completing a 21 year career in real estate.

Finishing work has provided Sam with time, and being a part of the Shades of Pink committee, an opportunity to contribute to the local community - in particular her local hospital network Eastern Health.

Fortunately Sam and her family have been untouched by breast cancer - making her further determined to create breast cancer awareness in the community and support and contribute to this worthy cause.