Reelin' in the Big'uns

I have been wanting to post this entry for quite awhile now, but I tell ya, this "cancer thing" (not feeling well, being admitted into the hospital, etc) keeps getting in the way of me accomplishing things on my to do list!  Shesh!!

So first things first, if you were able to attend this year's Art Bra Austin... how amazing was that?!?  Amazing can't even describe it!  It was so much fun and there was such a loving, powerful, supportive vibe that just overtook the Austin Music Hall!  I'm so glad I participated and modeled this year!  It's an experience and memory I'll always cherish and something that will always bring a smile to my face!

Thank you all who attended!  Maybe I'm a little biased, but I think I had one hell of an impressive cheering section!  I don't think I'll be able to give a shout out to everyone I know who purchased a ticket, but I do want to give a big thank you to my friend Elizabeth Weisman/Hunter Ind. for being a Sponsor.  Sponsorships really contribute in making this event a success, so EA, I hope you don't mind me calling you out on your continuous support of being of Sponsor... this being the 3rd year in a row!  Thanks girl! 

Now lets talk about my online fundraising.  Oh my!!!  I am so impressed and in absolute awe at how generous you all have been in helping me raise money for the BCRC!  With everything that has been going on over the last couple of weeks, I do apologize that you have not received your thank you notes yet (yes, I'm totally playing the cancer card on this one.  Ha ha!).  But you have to know how much I appreciate your generosity and support!

Mark & Patti Smith

Rose Trott

Gwynn Clark

"Dr." Omar Rodriguez

Mrs. Jene Bearse

Kathryn Gibson

Liz & Jeff Keating

Johnny & Anne Weisman

Sherri Kawulok

Beth Payan

Mrs. Corinne Gafni

Mrs. Cagney Hurt

Ms. Rebecca Eaton

Camille Osterkamp

Brannon Brooke

Teresa Mize

Bill Hogan

Mrs. Debi Smith

Debra Smith

Paul & Connie McDaniel

Stephanie Jeffries

So I've talked a lot about the event itself, but lets talk a little more about the details.  All the models are clients of the BCRC.  The bras that are worn are either created by the model themselves or are designed, created and donated to the BCRC.  Considering this was my first debut on the runway, I decided that I wanted to create my own bra.  For those of you that know me... I don't have a single crafty, creative bone in my body.  That's when my friend, Brandi Wilson, swooped in, helped me design and create the bra I wore and saved the day.  Thank you B for dedicating your time and energy to this project.  I had a blast hanging out with you and not only did a learn a thing or two about arts and crafts, but I discovered that Hobby Lobby is one of THE most overwhelming stores you could ever go in!  Ha ha!  

So back to my art bra... This piece exemplifies one of my passions.  I love to fish!  It is something I enjoy to do with my husband, my family and my friends.  I worked with my friend, Brandi, along with other fishing enthusiasts, to craft a bra that embodies the excitement and thrill I experience when spending time with people I love, doing the activity I love.  Introducing "Reelin' in the Big'uns!"

Of course considering this is a charity event, another aspect of raising money for the BCRC, is their live and silent auction.  Not only are the bras modeled by BCRC clients, but the bras are packaged with other products and auctioned off.  My bra was apart of the silent auction and was packaged with a gift basket of fly fishing gear donated by Gruene Outfitters along w/ a Yeti Cooler donated by John & Lauren Damen.  A HUGE thank you goes out to Gruene Outfitters and to John & Lauren Damen for making this an awesome packaged deal!  

Thank you Amanda Fowler (redscottage.com) for not only donating the flies you tied for my bra, but for my custom made fly earrings...

Since I'm on a roll for giving shout outs... I want to thank all those involved in making this such a successful, fun event.  This includes all the volunteers who helped with hair and makeup backstage.  I also want to thank Betty Lash for donating Organic Glow spray tans to the models.  Seriously, I enjoyed every second of that tan!  Loved it and I highly recommend checking out Betty Lash's spa services if you live in the Austin area.  AND a very special thank you goes out to the women who helped me before, during and after I puked that night.  Yup, that's right... this girl puked and rallied!  I would say that nerves could have caused the upset stomach, but it's clear that a couple of days later my outpatient procedure and hospital stay with Pancreatitis was to blame for my week long unexplained bouts of throwing up.  I guess it was just easier to blame it on nerves.  But hey, the show must go on!

So this is what it comes down to... after all the hard work that was put into making this event happen and the generosity of all of those contributing (whether that was a time commitment or a financial contribution), the BCRC raised more than $245,000!!!  Talk about an amazing success and such a memorable experience!  

Again... THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!

I wish I had more pictures of those who attended, but here is one with a few of my girlfriends:

Me and my hubs:

One last pose on the runway of all the models participating: