While there are many unsung heroes that work behind the scenes at the annual Bras for a Cause event, bra donations from area businesses allows the event to thrive for the community.

Karen Lopez, who has been with the event all nine of its years, said the support of area businesses and the community has been one reason the event is able to make an impact with its donation to the Memorial Herman Breast Care Cancer Center in Katy.

“Over the last 9 years, not only our community, but also our local businesses have shown so much love and support for what shows to be the scariest times in a person’s life,” Lopez said. “Almost everyone that I talk to has a friend or loved one that has had some type of cancer, even myself. Although, not breast cancer, but cervical cancer stopped me in my tracks for many months. I have watched my mother fight uterine cancer, she’s a survivor. My dad fought lung and brain cancer, and lastly my brother fought leukemia and lymphoma. They were not as lucky.”

Last year Lopez challenged all the Austin County businesses to create a bra that could be modeled and then auctioned off during the annual event. This year, an incentive has been added to lure businesses to get involved in this fund-raiser.

“We want our businesses to be even more involved this year,” Lopez said. “I may even have a special bonus prize for the business that donates the most.”

The “bra models” will strut down the runway during the event while audience members bid on the bras being modeled. Allen Kaminski will once again serve as auctioneer for the event and the male models are made of county dignitaries who will be strutting their stuff for this worthy cause.

While the models steal the spotlight during the night of the event with their dancing and prancing around the crowd encouraging higher bids, the bras should not be forgotten either.

“Without the support of those creative minds, the models would not have a complete outfit,” Lopez said. “Help our guys out. They fight over the best ones. The more elaborate the better.”

This year, the challenge for the event is to top last year’s record-setting year and Lopez believes the models, bras and this community are more than ready to answer that challenge. Lopez said the event will take on the challenge of this event this year just like they have done it in the previous eight years.

“The same way we do every year, word of mouth, sharing on social media, challenge each other and supporting the mission,” Lopez said.

All bra and monetary donations for the event can be brought by The Sealy News office, located at 327 Fowlkes St. as well as bra donations can be made to Lopez’ “big brother” and co-organizer Tom Mendenhall at Saddleback Saloon at 207 Main Street.

“Bra donations can be dropped off at Saddleback or by The Sealy News office and of course, we want to see all the pretty faces at the event Oct. 21,” Lopez said.

Bras for a Cause will be held Oct. 21 at Saddleback Saloon starting at 8 p.m. The event is hosted by The Sealy News, Across the Board Media and Saddleback Saloon Bar and Grill.