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Dande Lion’s ‘Breast Buddies’ Fundraiser to Benefit Wilma J. Redmond Fund is Gaining Momentum

by Madison Fisler Lewis

Sept. 18, 2014. The Dande Lion’s “Breast Buddies” fundraiser is a little more than halfway over, and so far the month-long event has garnered a lot of attention – and donations.

“We feel like it is going very well,” said shop owner Jane Deavers. “Not only are we collecting money and getting the word out about this fund that is available, people are also coming in and asking if they can duplicate this idea! We are so pleased about that, it is working on so many levels. Our customers are responding extremely well, as all of us seem to be touched by this disease. You can tell the ones who have been closely touched, and people will tell us about their own experiences. It is a real connection for women.”

The fundraiser involves 14 bras set up inside the shop that were decorated by local businesses and organizations. Participants can vote for their favorite bra by placing donations in the container designated for their favorite.

The contest will take place throughout the entire month of September, and a donation will be made on Oct. 1 to the Wilma J. Redmond Fund just in time for the kickoff of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“It all started because my long time friend, who also works here at the Dande Lion, was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Deavers said in a previous interview.

“We have been friends for 43 years and so we named it ‘Breast Buddies’ because we are best buddies. Linda is a pretty amazing person and I wanted to do something that honored her and what a strong woman she is.”

Linda Vana was diagnosed with breast cancer in early June and finished her treatments on Thursday, Aug. 27. Vana is now on the road to recovery.

For those wishing to make a difference with this fundraiser but may not be able to get to the shop, there is another option.

“People can make a check out to the Wilma J. Redmond Fund and mail it to us at the Dande Lion. We will be happy to donate it to whichever bra they would like to support.”

Checks can be sent to the following address:

4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604.

In addition, the Dande Lion has a great event planned to celebrate those who have donated to the cause.

“There is going to be a wine and cheese event on Tuesday night [Sept. 23] from 5-7 p.m. for anyone who wants to come by,” said Deavers. “It is a thank you for the people who have participated in the fundraiser. Anyone else who wants to make a donation is also welcome to stop by, view the bras and make a donation. We are almost halfway to our goal, and we are hoping that Tuesday night will help us get there.”

At the end of the event, a donation will be made towards the fund.

“On Oct. 1, we are hoping that Jessica Powell from Appalachian Regional Healthcare will be here to receive the donation and the community is invited,” Deavers said. “We don’t know the time yet, that has yet to be determined.”

For more information about the Wilma Redmond Foundation, please visit www.apprhs.org. For more information regarding the “Breast Buddies” fundraiser at The Dande Lion, please contact Linda or Jane at 828-898-3566. The Dande Lion is located at The Shoppes at Tynecastle at 4501 Tynecastle Highway in Banner Elk.

NO 1
“Don’t Gamble! Get Your Mamogram” by Avery County Health Department
NO 2
“Bella’s ‘Girls’ Fight Against Breast Cancer” by Bella’s Italian Restaurant
NO 3
“It’s a Good Year to Cluster for a Cure!” by Erick’s Cheese and Wine
NO 4
“Dancing for a Cure” by Flora Ottimer Children’s Boutique
NO 5
“Uncorked!” by Grandfather Vineyard and Winery
NO 6
“We Love Boo-bees. Big and Small, Save Them All!” by Lowes Grocery
NO 7
“Currency for a Cure” by Mountain Community Bank
NO 8
“Designing for a Cure!” by Northern Parker Interiors
NO 9
“Purse Power for a Change!” by RCS Properties, Inc.
NO 10
“‘Treat’ Your Boobies Right” by Seby B. Jones Radiation Oncology
NO 11
“Trim the Ta-tas at Tatum’s!” by Tatum Galleries and Interiors
NO 13
“Hunting for the Cure!” by Thelma’s Things
NO 14
“Waging War Against Breast Cancer” by Watauga Medical Center Radiology

 

NO 15
The Dande Lion’s bra submission
It's not too late! Take a cue from this couple and cast your vote today!
It’s not too late! Take a cue from this couple and cast your vote today!
NO 15a
Linda Vana and Claire Egam with the Dande Lion’s contest submission