Since 1996, the Central Indiana/Metro Area Service Center in Indianapolis has held a fashion show to increase breast cancer awareness. On August 16, the American Cancer Society’s 11th Annual Fashion Show took on a different theme to celebrate survivors of all types of cancer and to preview the area’s first Cattle Baron’s Ball in fall 2008.

"For this one year, we wanted to preview what the Cattle Baron’s event in 2008 will be about and build excitement for it,” said Terri Dillon, major gifts officer for the Society. Cattle Baron’s Ball is a western-themed ACS signature gala event that offers a fun and festive way to support the Society’s programs and services.

More than 400 people attended the Stars, Stetsons & Stilettos Fashion Show, which raised $45,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event was held at The Murat Centre in downtown Indianapolis and included a reception; a special silent auction featuring thousands of dollars of merchandise, many western-themed, from local retailers; a southwestern dinner; and the fashion show.

This year’s presenting sponsors were Eli Lilly & Company and RCI and the media sponsors were 97.1 Hank FM and Indianapolis Monthly. All fashions for the show were coordinated by Murph Damron, who worked with local boutiques to pull together outfits that were either true western fashions or could be adapted for a Cattle Baron’s Ball look.

Angela Bishop, project manager for RCI, said the western theme "showed you that it was more than a cowboy hat and shirt. You have the skirts, and the satin and lace. There are a lot of different things that you can combine to attend the Ball.” The country western styles were modeled by 19 cancer survivors.

"This was another celebration of survivorship,” said Terri. "Instead of limiting it only to breast cancer survivors, we decided to open it up. We wanted both men and women to model and we wanted survivors of any type of cancer. It actually added a great deal more to the event. There were more survivors and more of an opportunity to celebrate survivorship.”

Linda House, director of advocacy and professional relations for Eli Lilly, said the company believes in partnering with the Society. "We’ve been a long time supporter of the American Cancer Society, both on a local and a national level. Our interest is in supporting the great work that they do.” The fashion show serves as a vehicle to raise cancer awareness and emphasize the importance of early detection and screening methods.

As co-chair, Dr. Julie Kepple, a breast surgeon in Indianapolis, enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the organization that provides services for her patients.

"After the event, my cancer patients came up to me and said that this is what they needed, to know that they made it to the other side,” said Dr. Kepple. "For me, that’s what this event is really all about, to help cancer patients realize that they’re surviving and to bring awareness to others.”

For more information on galas in your community, call your American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Survivor models on the runway