Dan's Papers - February 15, 2008 - Locals Strut Their Stuff n Lingerie Fashion Show

The 12th Annual "Love, Life and Lingerie Fashion Show," held last Thursday at the Southampton Publick House, raised a record $20,000 for the Breast Health Coalition, which helps people with breast cancer.

This event is always one of the biggest of the winter season and this year was no exception - over 300 people turned out for a good cause. Guests purchased Chinese auction and raffle tickets to win dozens of prizes that were donated by local businesses. Attendees also came to see the local male and female models who volunteered to parade in glamorous lingerie provided by Top Drawer of East Hampton. Hair and makeup were provided by Vincent DaSilva at Gil Ferrer Salon in Bridgehampton. DJ Chris from "Sounds Incredible" provided music for the event and Fashion Show chairs included Susan Barylski, Susan Barry Roden and Crystal Reiner .

"We always have so much fun at this event, and both men and women love to come out and watch the models," said Susan Barry Roden, board member of the South Fork Breast Health Coalition. "We've been doing this for 12 years, and each year we get more people and have even more fun."

The models this year included Dr. James Brady, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and member of the South Fork Breast Health Coalition Advisory Board, as well as Dr. Vito Alamia, of Hamptons Gynecology and Obstetrics, who delivers babies on the East End. One of the highlights of the evening was a parade and dance around by James Amaden, a local firefighter, in his hat and uniform. Dr. Edna Vades, who recently joined Southampton Hospital as its first designated breast surgeon, modeled in the show, which lasted for several hours. This year, the 12th Annual "Love, Life and Lingerie" fashion show was dedicated to two South Fork Breast Health Coalition volunteers who passed away - Laura Gilmartin and Carol Zuhusky.

Roden explained that the money raised would go toward her organization's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" group, which helps people with breast cancer to get house cleaning, transportation and other services that they need. The South Fork Breast Health Coalition also tries to identify the cause of breast cancer through studies and surveys, to educate women about the importance of early detection, and to enable breast cancer survivors to live as fully and completely as possible.

At the event, Bob Chaloner, President and CEO of Southampton Hospital, introduced himself and commented on the importance of the event in raising consciousness about breast cancer and helping those living with the disease, which affects one out of eight women. The hospital, and also the coalition, recommends that women perform self-examinations regularly and get mammograms every year.

Roden announced that another exciting event to take place on June 7 and 8, when her group organizes the "LI 2 Day Walk" for breast cancer, a 20-mile walk over two days.

"We have named our team Heaven Can Wait, and we are looking for walkers to help us raise money," she said. "This is a huge event, and we will be walking and camping overnight along the way, with people rallying for us the whole way. We also need volunteers."

Roden, who will be honored for her work on April 2 at Atlantica Restaurant in Westhampton Beach, urged anyone interested in this walk to check the website at li2day.org.