From the music to the decor to the clothes, things will be just beachy at the American Cancer Society Four Corners Unit’s 22nd annual luncheon and fashion show fundraiser.
“Life’s a Beach” is the theme of this year’s event, April 14 at New Kensington’s Clarion Hotel. The event promises food, prizes and a peek at the latest fashions, many of them, with a tropical twist.
The fundraiser, however, is about more than just sun and fun, says the show’s commentator, Kathy Logan.
The group focuses on promoting a message annually and this year the attention turns to skin-cancer prevention, she says. “We thought the beach was an appropriate theme. We’re actually going to have a mini-message from someone from the Melanoma Society, and we’re going to make sure everyone gets a little bottle of sunscreen to take home with them.”
A Chinese auction, a 50-50 raffle, mystery gift bags, a silent auction and a bake sale will be featured during the event.
“We’re very blessed each year with this event,” Logan says. “The businesses are very generous. We have some really nice things this year, some artwork, some sculpture, some African art.”
Prizes include gift certificates for local restaurants, golfing packages, a hand-crafted dollhouse and getaways to Seven Springs, Pittsburgh and Erie.
After the noon lunch, volunteers will take to the runway, wearing fashions contributed from a number of area shops and retailers, including Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Top Hat Tuxedo, Apparel House and Babe’s Broadway Bridal.
The presentation will wrap up with beach wedding fashions.
The show’s beauty goes beyond the runway. It’s also found in the hope and inspiration offered by such an event.
“It’s just an uplifting experience,” Joanne Cecchi says. “You don’t realize how much encouragement and support you get from events like this.”
The Allegheny Township woman will be recognized at the fashion show with a Glimmer of Hope pin.
“I really feel like I benefitted from the research they’re doing,” she says. “Now, those of us that have survived, we have to help raise that money for someone else.”
Last year’s event raised more than $20,000 for research, community education and services for local patients. About 400 attend the show.
“To me, that many people coming together for the cause will be what I take away from it, more so than the luncheon or the fashion show,” Cecchi says. “All those people coming together for a common cause so that someday, the big C word isn’t ‘cancer,’ it’s ‘cure.’”
Life’s A Beach
What: 22nd annual fashion show and luncheon fundraiser sponsored by American Cancer Society Four Corners Unit
When: 10:30 a.m. April 14
Admission: $25, $30 for gold circle seating
Where: Clarion Hotel, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road, New Kensington
Details: 412-439-9842 or 724-568-2517; Chinese auction tickets, 724-224-4237; or 724-568-2517
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