A “human ribbon” photo shoot in downtown Suffolk on July 26 will serve as the kickoff for a new fundraiser benefiting cancer charities.

At least 100 volunteers wearing pink are needed to assemble at the Hilton Garden Inn, 100 E. Constance Road, at noon next Sunday, said Renee Battle of the Suffolk Breast Cancer Society.

Local photographer Keith Cephus will take the photo of the human ribbon from the roof of the hotel, Battle said.

“This is just to kick off and bring awareness to our survivors’ gala,” Battle said. “This is something we wanted to bring to Suffolk, because Suffolk does have a large population of people with breast cancer.”

Participants who don’t have anything pink to wear can purchase pink T-shirts on site from Relay For Life and Susan G. Komen Tidewater, Battle said.

“It’s open to everyone that cares about the cause,” she said. “The most important thing is to bring awareness to the Suffolk community.”

Four breast cancer survivors will receive makeovers and individual photo shoots during the event, which lasts until 4 p.m.

“A lot of people have things planned on Saturday, so we chose Sunday hoping that will be more convenient for people’s schedules,” Battle said.

It all leads up to the survivor’s masquerade gala on Thursday, Oct. 29, also at the Hilton.

General admission tickets are $100, with VIP tickets $125. The formal event will include a plated dinner. Relay For Life, Susan G. Komen Tidewater and Nobody Fights Alone, which helps cancer patients at Sentara Obici Hospital, will benefit, Battle said.

Tickets for the gala can be purchased at T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home, 405 Johnson Ave.; St. Paul Baptist Church, 806 Lincoln Ave.; or DAAU Enterprise LLC, 203 Market St.

More information on donations, sponsorships and vendor opportunities is available at www.suffolkbreastcancersociety.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the website.