Bras for Women’s Health

Decorating contest held; winners to be announced at Relay for Life

By JOLENE CRAIG
PARKERSBURG — Wood County Relay for Life and Belk Department Store have joined forces in a new way to teach women the importance of breast health.

To go along with the store’s bra-fitting event Saturday, Belk in Grand Central Mall will have nearly 30 decorated bras on display for people to vote on, said Carmen Hathaway, community manager for the American Cancer Society.

“It’s really a unique and fun way to promote breast cancer awareness,” Hathaway said.

People are asked to pay $1 per vote on which bra they think should win, with all proceeds from voting going to the American Cancer Society, said Steve Calhoun, manager of intimates at Belk.

“This is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” Calhoun said.

Voting began Tuesday on bras on display in the aisle between intimates and home products.

The bras were decorated by teams, team members and store associates and more are welcome, Calhoun said.

During the bra-fitting Saturday, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with certified bra fitters, the ACS will have a volunteer at the store to answer questions and get information to the public about women’s health, Hathaway said.

“Belk really gives back to the community and Relay for Life,” Hathaway said.

The bras are on display at the store until Monday when they will be moved to the Medical Office Building of Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital for further voting.

The final move for the bras will be to the Wood County Relay for Life at City Park May 16, with the winners being announced and awards given during closing ceremonies of the main event.

Grand prizes range from $200 to $500 for the following categories: People’s Choice, Most Original, Most Creative, Funniest, Prettiest and Best Overall.

Sponsors for the bra-decorating contest and prizes include the store, River City Tavern and Grill, Colombo’s Restaurant, J.P. Henry’s, Sadler Landscaping, Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield and CCMH.

For questions or more information contact Belk at 485-0062.