With their hearts on their sleeves and their bras on the outside, the Braz for the Cause Fling’em for Breast Cancer Gala was another great success! This event has raised $90,000 in seven years to help women in financial need who are undergoing breast cancer treatments. This grassroots charity provides short-term assistance with the costs of child care, taxi fares, nausea medication, wigs and other items not covered by health insurance. The Fling’em for Breast Cancer Gala attracts many loyal participants including Shannon Doell (pictured middle row, far right), a REALTOR® with Sutton Group – First Choice Realty Ltd.
For the fourth year in a row, Shannon took the initiative to recruit participants and arrange a work area at the Meadow Run Game Club where they could create their costumes, socialize and enjoy food and refreshments. This year, they were named “The Milk Mommas” and the costumes included nursing toy babies!
“The first year, I didn’t know what to expect so we went to the gala in differently decorated bras,” says Shannon. “We get more creative each time and challenge ourselves to come up with original costumes for a great fundraiser! We were the Tahiti Flashers the second year and the Minions in 2014. The original members of our group are now recruiting friends, daughters and mothers to join in the fun.”
The women involved generously donate not only time but money. In addition to a gala fee of $40 per person, this year, Shannon asked each member of her group to donate a bottle of wine to be auctioned off for the charity. There were also unique, individual contributions. “Ann donated Alpaca clothing from her business, Becky donated fly fishing lessons and I donated pink-themed purse/slipper prizes.”
“Every year, more and more ladies get involved in donating items to the silent auction,” says Shannon. “It was such a big hit and a heart-warming feeling knowing that their donations are helping out. It is a pleasure to help out this local charity every year and I can not wait to see what we can accomplish in 2016!”
For more information, please visit: www.brazforthecause.com.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
