Community members gathered Saturday night to show support and raise money for women with breast cancer, attending a jazz concert and art show at the Birmingham Unitarian Church that raised money for local charity The Pink Fund.

Beverly Hills residents—as well as acclaimed actor and artist—Steve and Karen Blackwood hosted the event at the chuch, located in Bloomfield Hills. Steve is a former Day of Our Lives star, while Karen is a celebrated artist.

The Pink Fund was created by Molly MacDonald around four years ago. The organization provides up to 90 days of financial support for women and men unable to work because they are undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

MacDonald, who was diagnosed with breast cancer around six years ago, said having breast cancer stole her livlihood and with five kids, a foreclosed home and medical bills to pay, she found herself in a tough spot financially.

Breast- cancer free now for five years, MacDonald said The Pink Fund has seen success since its creation.

“Thankfully, we have never had to turn anybody away,” MacDonald said.

In 2010 alone, The Pink Fund distributed a combined total of $68,000 to 25 women in the Metro Detroit area.

“It’s really interesting how own experience led her to develop this charity,” Yvette Kaplan, a Bloomfield Hills resident attending the event, said. “It seems so needed and is such a worthwhile cause.”

The evening started at 7 p.m., with those in attendance attending a concert by Steve who sang while Daryl Roenicke played the piano and Dan Kolton played the bass. Later, those in attendance congregated around Karen’s artwork. Hors d’oeuvres and wine were available as well.

“I’m starting to do more gigs where it’s for a reason,” said Steve, who regularly sings at events and teaches acting workshops across Metro Detroit. “I love singing as much as acting … it’s time to give back, I need to do this.”

The Blackwoods heard of MacDonald through their neighbor and immediately decided to put on a show to raise money and awareness for The Pink Fund.

Twenty percent of the money donated for the concert went to The Pink Fund, as did 25 percent of the money earned from the sale of Karen’s paintings.

“I just think it was a really nice evening, I love jazz,” Carole Garcia, resident of Troy said. “(Steve) was awesome.”

Many friends of MacDonald and the Blackwoods were in attendance at the event as well. Leslie Ann Pilling of Bloomfield Hills came in support of MacDonald and because she’s friends with Steve.

“Steve is very generous and gives back in every way that he can” Pilling said.

Hubert Sawyers of Grosse Pointe, who is also friends with the Blackwoods agreed.

“It was a nice time—Steve was great and Karen’s art is great,” Sawyers said.