It was a new venue and a new record number of tickets sold, but the same phenomenal support for South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR). The organization held its fundraising fashion show, titled "Stronger Together", Thursday night for the first time at the Bernhard Thiessen Hall in Winkler's Meridian Exhibition Centre. Nearly 500 tickets were sold for the event.
"For it to come to fruition is very rewarding," shared Fashion Show Committee Chair Dianne Mestdagh. "We sold out so very quickly last year that we knew we needed to look for something, but of course moving to a venue is a new challenge, and I think we've had an incredible group of volunteers that have stepped up to that challenge and done a remarkable job."
Touching personal stories shared
The models who took to the runway were cancer survivors, those going through a treatment journey and family members of those who have passed or are still fighting. A lot of them were first-time participants.
"Just listening to some of the stories tonight I had a tear or two in my eye, and I do know some of those stories from the past, but it's remarkable," she said.
Final numbers are still being tabulated, but considering the significant increase in ticket sales, it’s likely to be one of the highest totals in the history of the fundraiser.
"It's exciting to see the energy in the room, the number of people that have come out to support us, the amazing sponsorship we've received from the communities both here and in Morden and around the region, it's incredible," said Mestdagh.
