NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – FestiGals, the empowerment weekend for women, starts this Thursday and lasts all weekend long. One of the favorite events at FestiGals is the “Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch.”
News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez takes a look at the bras transformed into wearable art.
On display at Stein Mart on Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie are these “bodacious bras”. Check out a few of them pictured below:
“We had 30 women in our community decorate bras in honor of someone or because they wanted to get involved in the fundraiser for cancer,” Sandra Dartus, FestiGals coordinator, said.
These bras were part of the online fundraising campaign called “The Bodacious Bra Challenge,” and it raised over $19,000 to help women with their breast cancer recovery.
“The money goes directly to the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, which are two agencies which support women,” Dartus said.
Out of all the bras, there were three bras that made the most money during the online fundraising campaign. Here they are:
1st Place:
Bra Name: The Big Easy Bull
Artist: Therese Duke,
Amount Raised: $3, 575
THE STORY:
In honor of our friend Hoda Kotb, who inspired so many women (including me) with four words encouraging us to take the bull by the horns and fight, I introduce “The Big Easy Bull.” “I got a four word take away and every woman who survives breast cancer gets this takeaway,” Hoda says. “You Can’t Scare Me!” Because its red cape is the color of life, this bodacious bull symbolizes strength, perseverance and passion. Do you know a woman like this? A woman staring down cancer? Let’s help her fight. Let’s help all those fighting to grab the bull by the horns.
2nd Place:
Bra Name: Oui Dat Bra (unofficial)
Artist: Lori Gagliano, Founding Oui Dat Member
Amount Raised: $2,375
No Story, From their mission on their website: We’re not all beautiful faces and enormous white hair- our goal is to raise awareness while celebrating as only true New Orleans Oui Dats know how! Our mission is to help raise money for local charities, with a focus on women’s issues. We envision a future power house marching club that will greatly influence and serve the women of NOLA, as well as our entire community.
3rd Place:
Bra Name: Coffee News Purse (unofficial)
Artist: Natalie Barranco
Amount Raised: $1,860
THE STORY:
I was drawn to help with FestiGals because they work with CAGNO to provide support for women with all types of cancers. Since it seems that everyone has an experience with cancer, I liked the variety of support CAGNO provides. Personally, the 2 most important women in my life (mom and mother-in-law) survived 2 different cancers – uterine and colon. I’d like to honor their battle by decorating and transforming this bra and raise money for those that are just beginning their journey.
The top 3 bras will be auctioned off and all the others will be priced to sell at the “Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch” at the JW Marriott on Saturday, July 30th.
They will also be auctioning off art from local artists: Joyce W. Laporte, Rhonda Beals Perez, Teri Walker & Chad Ridgeway, Nellrea Simpson, and Kristina Larson.
Tickets are still available for the brunch, and you can buy tickets to the other popular FestiGals activities like the Stiletto Stroll and the After Glow party.
For ticket information, click HERE: