Breaking out the little black dress to support Wellspring

London Community News

By Sean Meyer/London Community News/Twitter: Newswriter22 London residents will once again have the chance to break out their favourite fashions — including that little black dress many women have in the closet — to help raise money for those battling cancer. Friday, Sept. 21 marks the sixth annual Little Black Dress Event, which takes place to help raise money for, and awareness of, Wellspring London and Region, a cancer support center. “There are a number of events that occur to support cancer research — which is great. But what sets this event aside, is its focus on the ‘now what’ side and the ‘how do I get back to the life I had/knew’,” said Fran Tran, owner of FMT Communications and Public Relations and event publicist for the Little Black Dress Event. “It’s the community support of those aftercare services that I think is a big draw and one of many factors of the event’s success.” Wellspring offers 20 programs and services free of charge to help people restore the dignity and control often lost when diagnosed with cancer. Programs and services are open to individuals, family members and caregivers of those coping with cancer; any type and any stage, in a warm non-institutional setting. The event will again be held at The Music Hall (185 Queens Ave.) with hair and fashions from Nova Vita, a prominent London salon. With an anticipated attendance of over 600 guests, Tran said this year’s Little Black Dress Event will have a new focus. “This year, we ‘Believe with Bekka’ — who is currently battling breast cancer,” Tran said. “Braving a radical mastectomy and aggressive chemotherapy treatments, we celebrate the hope and belief that Bekka can confidently call herself a survivor.” Receiving no core government funding, Wellspring's various programs and services are made possible through the generosity of donors and community-based fundraising initiatives such as the Little Black Dress Event. Melissa Whittle, owner of Twisted Pickle Small Business Emissaries and managing partner of the Little Black Dress Event, said there are many people who deserve praise for the success of an event that has, to date, raised over $75,000. This year’s goal is to reach the $30,000 mark. “Every year we have an incredible team of volunteers who work all year round to bring the details, donations and contributors together, on a shoestring budget, which is invaluable,” Whittle said. “But also importantly, the overwhelming support from local businesses — from caterers to venue space and auction item donations — help keep the ticket price affordable. Not to mention it's a great reason to wear one's little black dress to go out, have fun and raise money.” Whittle said this year’s event has seen the fashion show theme incorporated throughout the whole event. “Not too much, not too little, just enough to make it fresh.” Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance for $40 at Nova Vita located at 740 Richmond Street or online at www.ticketscene.ca. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door for $50. Whittle said the Little Black Dress Event is one of the few events in London that exists by the donation of time, talent and effort of almost all parties involved. “Year after year, we’re amazed by the level of dedication from our volunteers as well as the community in supporting this event. We’re looking forward to another great event this year.” For more information about the Little Black Dress Event, visit www.littleblackdressevent.ca or contact Fran Tran by email, fran@fmtpr.com, or phone, 519-520-6400. Find us on Facebook: London Community News