NEWBURYPORT – On a Saturday full of glitz, glam and vulnerability, models showcased handcrafted bras at the third annual Bra-zaar, a fashion show and auction benefiting women trying to lick cancer.
Held at the Newburyport Brewing Company, the event featured 37 handcrafted bras modeled by local women, many being cancer survivors.
The bras were then auctioned off, with all proceeds benefitting Tough Warrior Princesses, an Amesbury-based nonprofit which provides support to women battling cancer.
Cynthia Keefe, a cancer survivor and the event’s organizer said this year the Bra-zaar hit its stride, raising approximately $7,000, double the previous year’s proceeds.
“We had an excellent turnout. I was so thrilled. All of our seats were filled and each year it seems to have grown tremendously, and this year, in a big leap and bound,” she said.
Keefe said she attributes this year’s success to more locals becoming aware of what the event is and who it benefits.
“The people that have gone through cancer or have family members that have gone through cancer are looking to this to be a really supportive event. And, that wasn’t something that people knew in the last two years as much,” she said.
Attendance is not the only thing that changed this year, Keefe said many models were even more vulnerable about how cancer has impacted their lives.
“What really stood out to me is this year each bra came with a story and although we had descriptions in years past, people this year were really sharing their history,” she said.
Keefe said the newfound openness left many attendees emotional during the show.
“We had people in tears in the audience, people in tears on the runway,” she said.
Lisa Stewart, a Tough Warrior Princesses board member, also lauded the bravery models exhibited during the show.
“I think it’s just amazing and it’s so inspiring and just see what people bear it all and are willing to let loose and just be who they are,” she said.
Stewart also said she believes Tough Warrior Princesses will continue to co-host the Bra-zaar in the years to come.
“We love it and I think we’ve really found our niche in what we’re doing,” she said.
Keefe agreed, saying the brewery would allow the event to expand in the future.
“The brewery is really happy to have us and we are really happy to be there. And, they do have room to grow. So, I think I would like to keep it going,” she said.
Growth aside, Keefe said the feeling of sisterhood remained at this year’s show, something she believes is most important.
“We’re stronger if we come together and share our stories and support each other,” she said.