2010 Strut for the Cure
On Friday evening, the American Cancer Society presented the second annual Strut for the Cure, a fundraiser featuring local food and fashion to help educate young professionals about the importance of cancer screening.
For a mere $75, partygoers were treated to an expansive spread of local food and cocktails as area cancer survivors walked the runway, displaying the latest in fashion from Milwaukee area boutiques.
“Everybody gets to share the gift of life with us,” said event committee member John Kowalkowski, a stylist at Les Ciseaux and one of the cancer survivors that graced the catwalk. His salon donated its time and resources to Strut For The Cure. Mike Molloy, a physician and survivor model, pointed out that he and Kowalkowski participate in this event in order to raise awareness among a somewhat less targeted demographic: the male population. “It’s just simple. Routine cancer screenings can save lives,” Molloy said.
John Lutz of Silver Creek Brewing Company in Cedarburg was more than happy to help cater the event. “When you’re asked to be a part of something like this, you have no choice but to say yes.” In addition to the craft beer provided by Silver Creek Brewery and bloody marys made with Milwaukee’s own Rehorst Vodka, attendees were able to sample mini-menus from local restaurants, including Kil@Wat, Bistro 333, Twisted Fork and the Mason Street Grill.
Festivities moved upstairs to the Intercontinental ballroom, where five area fashion boutiques — Detour, Goldi, Flaire, Boutique B’Lou and Brooks Brothers — presented their spring designs to a cheerful and energetic crowd. The theme for spring was bright colors and bold prints.
A full-throated live auction was held immediately after the fashion show. Gift cards to area businesses were auctioned off to the spirited crowd, with the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Overall, the event was beautifully presented and tastefully prepared, mixing the urgency of the cause with a heavy dose of fun. Growing larger each year, Strut For The Cure will be back in Milwaukee in 2011 and will also be premiering in Green Bay later this year. Check out a photo gallery of the event below, with images from Rose View Photography.
