Three hometown organizations join to support local women impacted by breast cancer. When it comes to creating awareness,
 these women know there is power in numbers.  

When women feel emotionally drawn to a cause, there’s no stopping the momentum behind what they can do. This fall, three hometown organizations: Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, the Breast Cancer Awareness Association of Minnesota (BCAA) and Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. are joining forces at a local event to support women in our community who have been impacted by breast cancer.

Thousands of women are expected to gather at Treasure Island Resort & Casino on November 20-21 for the Girlfriends Expo & Getaway.  In addition to unique shopping and free workshops, two other major event highlights will be the upscale fashion show produced by the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer’s Orono store, and the exciting silent auction benefiting the BCAA.

“We are so excited to be participating! Any time we can bring our uplifting message to so many women in our community, it’s a cause for celebration,” says Barbara Hensley, founder of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer who, along with Twin Cities Live co-host Elizabeth Ries, will emcee the show. Models will be breast cancer survivors. Everyone who attends the fashion show will receive a 25 percent off coupon to use at the store, which features high-end home furnishings in addition to women’s designer clothing and accessories, all of which is donated. To date, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer has donated more than $750,000 in support of local underserved women touched by breast cancer – often helping these women pay for food, rent and electricity.  The fashion show is at 1 pm on Saturday, November 21.

The silent auction is expected to be another big draw. Women will be able to bid on some amazing items, with BCAA’s proceeds going towards its efforts to educate and support women about the disease. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more than 3,000 women in our state are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone will have a great time!” says Robin Kocina, President of Mid-America Events & Expos, a woman-owned company which is producing the Girlfriends Expo & Getaway, which also features the Women’s Home & Interior Design Expo. “While the ladies are shopping, laughing and enjoying yourselves, they will also be doing something positive to help local woman coping with breast cancer. Our staff is mostly women, and two of our own have been struck by this disease. So our dedication to this cause is both personal and heartfelt. Just like the women behind BCAA and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer: we feel a strong need to make a difference, and the Girlfriends Expo presented an ideal opportunity. We know that when three groups of powerful women get together, we can make wonderful things happen.”

Mid-America Events & Expos is donating exhibit space at the expo to both the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and BCAA. In addition, 50 percent of the Girlfriends Expo & Getaway ticket sales will be donated to BCAA, something that Kocina has done with the ticket sales for all of her company’s 2009 expos.

The Girlfriends Expo & Getaway is a chance for ladies to escape chaotic malls and those impossibly crowded parking lots. Mom needs a new purse? Would the sister who has everything love a fabulous scarf or necklace?  Want to explore the  newest trends in home décor? With more than 100 exhibits, there’s no need to get up at 4 a.m. on Black Friday. Find something perfect and unique at the show! Would you love a makeover? Cosmetic and makeup specialists will be there to offer professional advice.

Be sure to check it out!  www.101expos.com has discounted tickets!