Project Pink 2014: Fashion with a Purpose

Models and organizers from the 2013 Project Pink Fashion Show at Bella Vita Lakeside, Geist Reservoir.

You are invited to the 3rd Annual Project Pink Fashion Show, which is runway-ready. This fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Central Indiana is Thursday, Sept. 18.

This year, the show is moving to a new venue—City Market, in downtown Indy. Doors open at 6 p.m. with appetizers, desserts and cash bar at Tomlinson Tap Room with access to shopping.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase. VIP tickets allow guests to attend an exclusive meet-and-greet cocktail hour and more. Go to komenindy.org/project-pink to purchase tickets and see details.

The fashion show begins at 7:30 p.m., and features newly created apparel made from repurposed Race for the Cure t-shirts. Each unique piece has been designed by students from The Art Institute of Indianapolis.

Indy car driver Pippa Mann will be one of the celebrity models for this year’s event.

The t-shirts aren’t the only regenerated materials. This year, committee members have constructed distinctive decorations from posters adding a more creative flair to this upscale experience.

The models are local survivors, co-survivors and celebrities such as Pippa Mann, who ran a pink car in the Indianapolis 500 this year to partner with Komen to help raise money and awareness.

“Since we do not have a budget for Project Pink, we rely on in-kind donations to make this event happen,” said Sarah Schmitz, Operations Manager of Susan G. Komen Central Indiana. “This allows us to put all our funds raised toward our mission to end breast cancer. Of donations received, 75 percent of net proceeds stay in Central Indiana to fund lifesaving breast screenings, treatment assistance and survivor support to underinsured and uninsured Hoosiers; while 25 percent of net proceeds are invested in international research seeking causes, improved treatments and cures for breast cancer.”

There will be a new panel of judges this year that will select the winning design including long snapper Matt Overton from the Indianapolis Colts and Helen Wells of the Helen Wells Agency. Also, models will have a chance to win a popular vote by soliciting $1 donations from friends and family members in the audience.

“We changed our venue this year in hopes to grow this event,” Schmitz said. “We wanted to expand the appeal to a broader audience. We’re excited to have City Market, an exceptional setting with a modern, chic, urban feel that captures a new look for Project Pink.”

Live entertainment will be provided by DJ, Gabby Love, with Crush Entertainment. The emcee will be Tom Britt, founder and publisher of Geist and Fishers Community Newsletters.

Meet the Models

These are the models for Pink Project 2014:

  • Leslie Bailey – The Adventuress, Indy Star
  • Rachel Bogle – Host of Mornings with Kyle and Rachel
  • Gelone Broadnax – Survivor
  • Izzy Campbell – Local Musician
  • Miriam Dant – Survivor
  • Daniel Derrico – Survivor
  • Monica Durett – Survivor
  • Adrienne Harlow – Survivor
  • Danielle Hester – Entertainment Reporter, Real Scene TV
  • Julie Hollis – Survivor
  • Kim Irish – Survivor
  • Megan Kenyon – Survivor
  • Laken Kurtz – Co-survivor
  • Pippa Mann – Racing Driver
  • Joy Neely – Survivor
  • Nikki Reed – On-air Personality, WZPL
  • Nicole Richards – Survivor
  • Jennifer Spees – Survivor

Project Pink has raised more than $20,000 for Komen Central Indiana in the past two years and has touched the lives of many local breast cancer survivors. In July, Komen held an open call for survivors interested in modeling for Project Pink. They submitted stories and reasons why they wanted to walk on the runway.

One survivor, Jennifer Spees, expressed her interests and passion for the event.

“I will celebrate five months cancer free on Aug. 19,” Spees said. “I was 44 when diagnosed, in the best shape of my life, as I was training for my first marathon. I had no history of breast cancer, and my genetic testing was negative. I have two daughters who now know a great deal about breast cancer and are advocates for a cure. They were two of my biggest cheerleaders throughout chemo, surgery and radiation. Having cancer, I knew I had to show them that you can do anything, and be strong doing it! I would love to teach the girls another life lesson, that no matter how tall or how much hair you have, you can be a model and be proud of yourself. I would like to be considered for the Project Pink Fashion show to send a message to my girls and the world you can do anything, never give up.”

“It is stories like this one that encourage and inspire us to make Project Pink bigger and better every year,” Schmitz said.

Go to komenindy.org to learn more.

Comments 1

  1. guest says:

    Who are these people you have as the models? Have not heard of a single one. I think you would generate more revenue if you have popular people in Indy:) I hope for you success though

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Send me your media kit!

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6486003", formId: "5ee2abaf-81d9-48a9-a10d-de06becaa6db" });