BRAvo fundraiser fights breast cancer

Kicking Cancer with Style

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – To help build breast cancer awareness, the McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation is planning BRAvo 2013.  As a community fundraising event, BRAvo features a competition for the tasteful decoration of bras and an auction of celebrity-autographed, decorated bras.

In partnership with the McLaren Macomb Breast Center and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center, the McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation will host BRAvo 2013 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Penna’s ofSterling, 38400 Van Dyke in Sterling Heights. Last year’s event was attended by more than 800 people.

Roop Raj, FOX2 Detroit television reporter and anchor, will serve as emcee, with special guest Linda Lee, an on air radio personality with WYCD.

This fun-filled evening will feature a gourmet plated dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions of decorated and celebrity-autographed bras, along with the winners of a bra decorating challenge. This year’s theme is “Kicking Cancer with Style.” A portion of the proceeds will support the BRAvo for Women free mammogram program for uninsured women in Macomb County.

Treasure Your Chest (2012 Winner)

Since its inception, the free mammogram program has provided more than 700 mammograms for uninsured women. The program has also helped save lives by diagnosing cancer in eight women who otherwise may not have had access to a mammogram screening. Funds for the program are raised solely through BRAvo.

Through August 19, participants can design and submit bras for the BRAvo Decorating Challenge. Participants can form a team or design their own, limited only by their imagination. There is no charge to enter a bra. In this year’s competition, there are 12 categories. Entries can be dedicated in honor of or in memory of a colleague, friend or family member diagnosed with breast cancer.  One bra will be selected as the grand prize winner and announced at BRAvo.

Entries will be displayed at Carson’s Department Store at The Mall at Partridge Creek from August 26 through September 2.  Photos of the bra decorating entries will be posted on the hospital’s web site for online voting. 

The BRAvo team has already started preparing for the 2013 event with celebrity-signed, decorated bras in place from singers Miranda Lambert, Hunter Hayes, Jewel, Fun, Lady Antebellum, Sheryl Crow, Scotty McCreery, Thompson Square, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and the Eli Young Band.

In addition, Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera, former University of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Detroit Red Wing Pavel Datsyuk have autographed bras. Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have signed decorated boots. Sheryl Crow, Kellie Pickler and The Band Perry have autographed decorated stiletto shoes.  

Tickets are $40 each. For more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please call the McLaren Macomb Healthcare Foundation at (586) 741-4330 or visit www.mclaren.org/bravo.