With their hearts on their sleeves and their bras on the outside, the “Braz for the Cause” “Fling’em for Breast Cancer” Gala in Stratford, Ont. was another success. The event has raised $90,000 in seven years to help women in financial need who are undergoing breast cancer treatments. It provides short-term assistance with the costs of child care, taxi fares, nausea medication, wigs and other items not covered by health insurance.

Shannon Doell, a sales rep with Sutton Group – First Choice Realty, recruited participants for the fourth year in a row, and arranged 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 toy nursing babies.

“The first year, I didn’t know what to expect so we went to the gala in differently decorated bras,” says Doell. “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 donate not only time but money. In addition to a gala fee of $40 per person, this year Doell 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.