Annual Bras for the Cause Event Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

October 5, Wednesday, a very long line meandered to the entrance of Union Jack’s in Annapolis where the 5th Annual Bras for the Cause evening campaign was being held.

The bizarrely attired crowd composed of local business people excitedly waited their turn to enter the event fundraiser for the Red Devils and the Women’s Council of Realtors, Anne Arundel County chapter.

It was a fun filled night with a lively vibe of Magic Mike as almost 20 men also known as “Men in Bras” proudly showcased extravagant bra design, tutus, headgear and other glittery apparel to the super energetic gathering of more than 600. They all did it for a cause.

Meanwhile, the total amount earned from the auction was $13,865 for The Red Devils, a non-profit organization from Maryland who aims to provide support and helps Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors and their families.

“For those in need, the charity provides transportation to treatment centers, doctors’ offices and services; support for family needs like meals and groceries, house cleaning services, childcare and respite care, and aids with payment of utilities, rents or mortgages; plus payment of medical costs and treatment therapies.” Red Devil’s Executive Director, John Wilson said.

Around 65% of the 2015 funds was assigned to family support.

“The breast cancer patients’ chief concern is financial security,” Wilson said. “They need help with rents, mortgages and utilities.”

Around 800 to 1,000 breast cancer patients are being supported by Red Devil’s every year, depending on how much money they can earn on their different campaigns like “Bras for the Cause”. They normally distribute $300 per patient.

“Statewide, we have a network of 48 hospitals,” Wilson added.

The Red Devil’s was established in 2002 in Baltimore, Maryland.

That night, entry to Union Jack’s was made exclusive to the people who participated in the 5th Annual “Bras for the Cause” Campaign. The venue provided free appetizers and did not charge anything for hosting the event.

The money earned from ticket sales, subsidized the expenses of the Women’s Council, a group of 60 people including men. It is currently headed by Hedy Nelson, an independent broker and lawyer with Witz Realty, LLC. The Women’s council, founded in 1930 mainly focuses on education, improving industry and community service.

Bill Regan, of C&F Mortgage Corp., one of the campaign sponsors said “he was attending to support a good cause”, He also admired the courage of the men who proudly modeled the personalized bras.

Cheryl Listman a breast cancer survivor and a loan officer for 1st Mariner Bank was the Campaign Organizer. She twirled among the huddled “Men-in-Bras”(MIB) and exhorted them to “keep moving and get along with the mob.”

The MIB were often stalled by women grasping dollar bills to jam into the men’s bras and waistbands. The cash was later distributed to the staff of Union Jack’s as tips.

John Ruttum, 27, a St. Mary’s High graduate, and a loan officer with First Home Mortgage, was sporting a 46 GG bra constructed in a camouflage-patterned fabric, perfectly matching the pattern of his cammo pants. “I lost two aunts in 2011 and 2012 to breast cancer,” he said. “When I was offered the opportunity through my job to do this, I didn’t hesitate.”

It’s not just about fun and games for JJ Fegan, a sales associate for ReMax Leading Edge, His wife of nine years and love for 19 battled and died from breast cancer last Sept. 24, 2006. Since then, Fegan began organizing South County Relay for Life fundraisers and participate in various fundraising events to support breast cancer and cancer patients. He’s one of the founders of the “Bras for the Cause” and it has been his oath to wear a bra each year, He also donated items for Bra auction. This year, Fegan Bra was botanically inspired.

Fegan put an arm around the evening’s co-chair, Pam Harrison, a ReMax executive and former president of the Women’s Council. “She knew my wife,” said Fegan. “She’s been there and helped us through all the punches.”

According to Katie Rose, a Mix 106.5 deejay. “This evening is like a bunch of bras,” she announced. “It’s uplifting, beautiful, very comfortable with moments that are warm and fuzzy.” She’s the hosted the auction.

She then invited 10 breast cancer survivors to come up on stage. Each introduced themselves and the number of years since they won against the big C. One survivor even beat it twice.

 

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