The common brassiere is a thing of the past, thanks to the outrageous “Bras for A Cause” gala and live auction fundraiser, now in its sixth year. Organized by Soroptimist (meaning “good for women” in Latin) International of Capitola, Bras for A Cause dares entrants to get zany and design a bra to enter into the auction. Nothing is considered too bodacious.
Last year’s contest produced pieces like the “Boulder Holder,” an artsy bra intricately laid with blue stones; the provocative “Squeeze Me, Stomp Me, Make Me Wine,” fashioned from wine corks and grapes; and the “Double Shot,” an uplifting display of coffee bean-festooned cups. “It’s truly amazing how creative and fun the entries are every year,” says Monica DeCosta, co-chair of this year’s gala.
The, ahem, perks go to WomenCARE, an organization that supports local women who have cancer, and Gemma, a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, which helps women reintegrate with their families and the community after incarceration. Last year, Bras for A Cause raised $11,000, and this year is expected to bust right out of that category.
“The enthusiasm for the event has really grown, because we’ve done a lot more outreach in the community over the past year, and I have to say, the response has been great,” says Kate McGuire of Soroptimist International.
Awards include cash prizes for the top three winning bras. Bras may be entered no later than Aug. 12, so artists breast get busy.
BRAS FOR A CAUSE is Saturday, Aug. 27, 2-5pm at Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave., Capitola. www.bras4acause.org.
