DRAGONS ABREAST TRADE IN THEIR PADDLES FOR HIGH FASHION! Breast Cancer Survivors Model in Jones New York Fashion Show September 17, 2008

Help raise awareness for breast cancer by showing your support for Dragons Abreast with a night of cocktails and couture! This year marks the 6th Annual Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show, which benefits Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. On Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Erin Davis will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the reception and fashion show at the Arcadian Court in The Bay, Queen Street. To get the party started, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6:00pm followed by a fashion show featuring the courageous breast cancer survivors from Dragons Abreast modelling fashions from Jones New York at 7:15pm. Tickets are $60 each (after September 1st tickets are $75 each) and can be purchased through Wellspring by calling 416-961-1928.

“This fabulous show of support from Jones New York and Dragons Abreast will help Wellspring assist thousands of families coping with the diagnosis, treatment and effects of breast cancer,” states Lynda Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Wellspring. “We encourage women from across the GTA to help us do even more by joining us on September 17th for this fun and spirited event.”

The Annual Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show raises awareness of Breast Cancer and Wellspring. All proceeds go to Wellspring’s cancer support programs and services.

EIGHTEEN MODELS FROM DRAGONS ABREAST FEATURED IN THE FASHION SHOW

Leslieville-Riverdale resident Dianne Mowat is one of the eighteen models in this year’s Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show. At 54, Dianne has been married to her husband Robert, a Managing Editor, for 33 years and together they have two sons, Ezra, 23 and Noah, 12.

Dianne was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2002, when she was 48 and went through a mastectomy, chemotherapy and then radiation. She believes that her breast cancer was a wake-up call to start savouring life.

“Wellspring was a sanctuary that offered me great support while I was going through chemotherapy,” states Dianne. “I needed to find something physical to do, to connect me with my body that had betrayed me. Wellspring offers many programs and sessions for people dealing with cancer including Reiki, art therapy and counselling. For me, the most wonderful program was the Yoga held in the Coach house. Even when I was tired, weak and depressed, the kind, caring and informed instructors helped me deal with the pain of treatment.”

To prepare for her final round of chemotherapy, Dianne dressed up as Wonder Woman to mark the day with a celebration. Following her mastectomy, she believed she truly embodied her hero, as Wonder Woman was from the tribe of Amazons who often cut off a breast to be a better warrior. Wonder Woman made her return when Dianne was asked to speak at the Run for the Cure. She ran the 5 k run in costume, with her son, Noah, alongside her dressed as a dark cancer fighter, complete with a cape and mask. It was at this Run for the Cure that Dianne first heard about Dragons Abreast.

“Dragons Abreast has been a wonderful window that has opened my life to a number of incredibly strong and beautiful women that I am proud to call my friends,” adds Dianne. She has paddled in the 2006 Worlds in Toronto, competed in Australia in 2007 and is looking forward to paddling with a mixed team to the World’s in Poland in 2009.

Dianne will be walking the runway again this year in the Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show at the Arcadian Court in Toronto on September 17.

FUN AND PRIZES GALORE

Dragons Abreast is holding a raffle for a number of fabulous prizes including a one-year membership to Christine’s Fitness and six personal training sessions valued at $1,997; a handmade 18kt white gold and pearl “tin cup” necklace from Myerson’s Limited valued at $1,550; a $1,000 Jones New York Wardrobe; a Scotiabank money order for $1,000; one night’s accommodation and breakfast at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, a Saturday evening performance at the Canadian Stage, plus dinner for two at Jump Restaurant, valued at $698; a custom pink Hudson’s Bay Company ottoman valued at $550; a pink limited edition Kitchen Aid Artisan Series stand mixer valued at $450; and a Lancome gift basket valued at $150. Raffle tickets are available in advance as well as at the door and are 3 for $10.

An auction will be held for the use of a Volvo Cross-country for a week, 2 nights at The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain, a dinner for two at Azzurra Trattoria and a round of golf at the Georgian Bay Club.

Balloon pops at the event are $5 each or 3 balloons for $10 – there is a prize in every balloon.

Ticket holders are also eligible for a number of door prizes.

PICK UP A LIMITED EDITION JONES NEW YORK BREAST CANCER T-SHIRT

Black long sleeved Jones New York special edition T-shirts will be available for $25.00.

New York City designer Sujean Rim, who studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design, designed this magnificent t-shirt. After graduation Sujean found herself designing shoes and accessories for various large companies, while illustrating at home for herself. Her more recent clients include Dailycandy, Tiffany’s & Co., Almay, Rizzoli International, Doubleday, Random House, Simon & Schuster Publishers, Marie Claire – Italy, Elle Décor – US.

SPECIAL THANKS

Support from their sponsors allows Dragons Abreast to spread their positive message of hope and encouragement. The team is grateful for the generosity of Jones New York and Scotiabank.

Official Website: http://www.dragonsabreast.org