Models will strut down the runway for a higher cause this month, when the Soul Elements cancer benefit is held in Red Deer.
About 35 models will sport fashions from various local retailers at the Saturday, May 30, event at the Red Deer Lodge. It will reflect an “Earth, wind, fire and water” theme and include a buffet dinner and silent auction.
Red Deer singer-songwriter Michelle Lee, who recently won an Alberta-wide radio contest and performed at JunoFest, will also entertain.
Organizer Laura Malach said she didn’t have to call in many favours to get area models and store owners to participate. “Everyone’s been very supportive.”
The Red Deer Lodge even donated its main ballroom for the event in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Malach dreamed up the benefit as a way of combining her two passions — fashion and helping to fight cancer.
The city oilfield services worker and part-time model said she’s been involved in various cancer fundraisers ever since her best friend, Tara Shillington, died at the age of 16 of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The pain of losing a close friend at such a young age “has compelled me to do bigger and better things in my life,” said Malach, who isn’t sure how much money will be raised at this first event of its kind.
Silent auction items include an original painting by local artist Jesse Gouchey, a hockey stick signed by the Red Deer Rebels, and a patio set from Harbour Spas.
Tickets to the fashion show, dinner and silent auction, which are expected to run from 5 to 10 p.m., are $45, plus service charges, or $340 per table (which seats eight people) from the Black Knight Ticket Centre.
As well, an after-party will be held in the back room of the Urban Rodeo bar at 4720 50th Ave. in Red Deer. The party will start sometime after 9:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The $5 cover charge is being donated to the cancer society.