Pink Heart Funds

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2010-03-01 - Party in pink benefits a good cause

- Sun Herald

As Fashion Week wrapped up in New York, a . . . shall we say, rather “entertaining” version of a fashion show took place closer to home, in Long Beach — a benefit for the Pink Heart Fund.

Emceed by Pink Heart Funds founder JoAn Nicely, who could be described as a cross between the sweetness of Gracie Burns and the sharp wit of Lucille Ball, this fashion show kept the audience laughing, and also enthusiastically bidding, on the clothing shown.

And unlike the catwalks of New York, Nicely’s models, including Heidi Dedeaux, Greg and Renee Van Stone, Romy Simpson, Linda Peranich, Lacy Moran, Tara Elmore, Kevin Pingul, “Chef Scott” Mienka, Gene Fayard, Regina Warren, Darlene Cox, Aimee Hester, Walt Rode and others, traded haute couture scowls for a little more personality — each did his or her best to “work it,” sometimes with amusing results.

The “male models” in particular seemed to love the limelight, or in this case, the “pinklight.”

Steve Wilson also took a turn in the spotlight, but not as a model. Wilson had begun growing his hair when he retired about two years ago, with the intent of donating it to Pink Heart’s Ponytail Club, which makes human-hair wigs for children who have suffered the loss of their hair due to medical conditions and treatments.

Nicely gave him a hair “makeover” on stage, shearing off his long locks for the cause. It takes about 11 donated “ponytails” of 6 inches or longer to make each wig. Wigs are provided free through Pink Heart Funds, as are breast prostheses and lymphedema sleeves for women dealing with breast cancer.

Guests were also entertained by “Sista Jazz” Rochelle Harper and her band, as well as by a moving performance of “The Climb” by 10-year old Hailey Hester, sung to Pink Hearts princess and cancer survivor Montana Smasal, which many in the audience applauded as they wiped tears from their eyes.

Among those spotted at the event were Vicky Cutten, John Folding and Barry Willbrandt, Karen Sock, Elisha Mitchell, Danielle Ronquille, Alan Lipski, Stephanie Mueller, Melissa and Dustin Catella, Jennifer Kibler and Joey Bardwell, Jaime Bass, Tyler Bass, Sallie and Franky Walker, Linda and Gene Bass, Michelle and Chris Citta, Jackie Lindgren and Denise Dubuisson.

The event raised $20,115, according to Nicely.

Jamie Bates, is the Sun Herald’s social reporter. If you have an idea for a future Local Buzz column, call 604-0719 or 1-888-563-6118 or e-mail localbuzz@sunherald.com or regular mail Attn. Pappas News, P.O. Box 4567, Biloxi, MS 39535.

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Home Our Organization Inspirations Pink Heart Kids News & Events News Calendar & Events Newsletters How You Can Help Shop Contact Us	News View Complete List 2010-03-01 - Party in pink benefits a good cause - Sun Herald As Fashion Week wrapped up in New York, a . . . shall we say, rather “entertaining” version of a fashion show took place closer to home, in Long Beach — a benefit for the Pink Heart Fund. Emceed by Pink Heart Funds founder JoAn Nicely, who could be described as a cross between the sweetness of Gracie Burns and the sharp wit of Lucille Ball, this fashion show kept the audience laughing, and also enthusiastically bidding, on the clothing shown. And unlike the catwalks of New York, Nicely’s models, including Heidi Dedeaux, Greg and Renee Van Stone, Romy Simpson, Linda Peranich, Lacy Moran, Tara Elmore, Kevin Pingul, “Chef Scott” Mienka, Gene Fayard, Regina Warren, Darlene Cox, Aimee Hester, Walt Rode and others, traded haute couture scowls for a little more personality — each did his or her best to “work it,” sometimes with amusing results. The “male models” in particular seemed to love the limelight, or in this case, the “pinklight.” Steve Wilson also took a turn in the spotlight, but not as a model. Wilson had begun growing his hair when he retired about two years ago, with the intent of donating it to Pink Heart’s Ponytail Club, which makes human-hair wigs for children who have suffered the loss of their hair due to medical conditions and treatments. Nicely gave him a hair “makeover” on stage, shearing off his long locks for the cause. It takes about 11 donated “ponytails” of 6 inches or longer to make each wig. Wigs are provided free through Pink Heart Funds, as are breast prostheses and lymphedema sleeves for women dealing with breast cancer. Guests were also entertained by “Sista Jazz” Rochelle Harper and her band, as well as by a moving performance of “The Climb” by 10-year old Hailey Hester, sung to Pink Hearts princess and cancer survivor Montana Smasal, which many in the audience applauded as they wiped tears from their eyes. Among those spotted at the event were Vicky Cutten, John Folding and Barry Willbrandt, Karen Sock, Elisha Mitchell, Danielle Ronquille, Alan Lipski, Stephanie Mueller, Melissa and Dustin Catella, Jennifer Kibler and Joey Bardwell, Jaime Bass, Tyler Bass, Sallie and Franky Walker, Linda and Gene Bass, Michelle and Chris Citta, Jackie Lindgren and Denise Dubuisson. The event raised $20,115, according to Nicely. Jamie Bates, is the Sun Herald’s social reporter. If you have an idea for a future Local Buzz column, call 604-0719 or 1-888-563-6118 or e-mail localbuzz@sunherald.com or regular mail Attn. Pappas News, P.O. Box 4567, Biloxi, MS 39535. Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2010/03/01/1991903/party-in-pink-benefits-a-good.html?story_link=email_msg#ixzz0jR9JA93T View Complete List



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