One of the most awaited fall events is finally here. The annual Saks Fifth Avenue “Key to the Cure Kickoff” will be held at Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston Galleria Oct.17 at 6.30 p.m. The event is expected to attract hundreds of party-goers who will come together in the spirit of fun and giving.

The event will honor 12 civic and business leaders, who are also diagnosed cancer survivors, as CancerForward 2012 Forward Movers. President of Saks Fifth Avenue Ron Frasch will be around to greet stage, screen, television actress and three-time cancer survivor Tracy Nelson, who will accept CancerForward’s Flash Forward Mover Award. CancerForward will also honor The H. Rudy Teichman Family with its Anchor of Strength Award, established to shine light on caregivers, the oft-overlooked population who attend the physical, emotional, and practical needs of diagnosed survivors.

During the event, guests will be able to purchase the annual — and collectible — Key to The Cure T-shirt, designed this year by CancerForward supporter and acclaimed designer Carolina Herrera, with the full price of $35 going to the nonprofit. This kickoff event also marks the start of the Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure Charity Shopping Weekend that starts Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. through Oct. 21. Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 2 percent of all sales from this weekend to CancerForward.

CancerForward, a foundation for cancer survivors, is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect, educate and share information among cancer survivors by empowering them to improve their lives. The company provides web-based networking that is available free to survivors of all cancer types and ages.

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the country and carries a line of fashion apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts. What would be better than going on a shopping spree, buying classic and elegant pieces, and extending your help to cancer survivors all the while?

Tickets for the event start at $100, with limited reservations available, and can be bought online.