Firefighters work it on the catwalk to save the tatas
Picture barely clothed, foxy firefighters strutting a catwalk. The men – and a few brave women – of Plano Fire-Rescue could probably be featured in their own best-selling calendar. Instead, they’re doffing gear and donning eccentrically decorated, themed brassieres for the seventh annual Battle of the Bras. The event, which supports Women Rock, will be 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at Plano Event Center.
Women Rock is a nonprofit started by North Texas resident Luann Daniel nine years ago. She saw an unfulfilled need for more localized support of our neighbors with breast cancer. The diagnosis is overwhelming, and patients are often bombarded with information, but it’s not always specific to their needs. The focus of Women Rock, as opposed to more recognized, nationwide breast cancer nonprofits, is to provide support services locally to women within Collin County, as well as 10 additional counties in Texas and four in Oklahoma.
Women Rock is able to assist a patient during any stage of the journey by offering four branches of services: breast imaging and mammograms; provisions of hope, which provides financial assistance; education station, a traveling bus full of educational resources about breast cancer, and emotional support.
Under these branches falls a wide range of support services from biopsies to helping pay car or utility bills, all of which help take worries away from a patient who needs to focus on health. Just this past year, some 1,200 requests for support were fulfilled by Women Rock.
So, back to the hot firefighters. The Battle of the Bras fundraising event is an evening of dinner and drinks, hilarity and hope. The over-the-top bras are decorated and provided by various businesses, groups and individuals, then donned by firefighters who do their best strutting down the runway, all to encourage attendees to bid on their bras or make donations. Themed bras in the past have included a beaded tribute to Dia de los Muertos, a blinged-out Texas flag and a little black-and-yellow-striped “Boob Bees” number.
Each of the runway models supports Women Rock because they have a personal connection to breast cancer; a loved one either had it or is still undergoing treatment. When combined with a silent and live auction, the runway show is one of Collin County’s most titillating ways to support a local cause that in turn supports our friends and neighbors in need.
“I got involved four years ago when I was first named Chief of Plano Fire-Rescue,” said Fire Chief Sam Grief. “While it was way out of my comfort zone to model a bra and dance around to raise money, when I realized what these ladies were enduring, I quickly put aside my fears and joined in. This is an outstanding organization that truly supports local women going through the journey on many levels.”
It takes the financial support of an entire community to make these services available for patients in Collin County, and donations to Women Rock are accepted year round. Meanwhile, the entire local community is encouraged to attend Battle of the Bras.
Battle of the Bras >