There was already confidence that the Flight of Fancy event – fashion show and auction which had sold out within days would raise the amount of funds required to reach the target of $350,000. After all, the amount was already at about $340,000. Mike Brown, the Chairperson and driver of Project Mammogram, announced on the night, “We have made it!” This brought lots of cheers and acclamation from a packed hangar – over 160 seated at tables.

It really was a gala evening – festive lighting, huge and beautiful floral arrangements, and everywhere stylish fashion. This was a big part of the incentive for the evening’s popularity. Annah Stretton with the backing of Get It On fashion stores in both Tairua and Whitianga organised a very funky fashion parade. The event was inspired by a similar one held recently in Tairua with Annah Stretton and Maree Smith, owner of Get it On. This event had successfully raised funds for the Mammogram machine. Mike Brown caught on to the idea of doing a similar event at the Coro Club’s hangar space in Whitianga. This received Annah Stretton’s enthusiastic support, and she was present for the entire evening providing everyone one with a beautiful and inspiring book she has authored and sharing life and business through a very relaxed interview including her business partner and daughter, Sami Stretton. Michel A’Court, renowned comedian, was in hilarious and fine form, hosting the evening and Harcourts Glen Walls from Coromandel brought the auction to a successful conclusion.

Another highlight was the brief and very informative message from Dr Sugania Reddy, Director of Mercy Radiology detailing the advantages of the particular 3D Mammogram machine which will come to Mercury Bay as a result of the fund raising. Everyone was aware that many in the room had experienced breast cancer, some undergoing current treatment and others remembered poignantly, those who had died from breast cancer.

Every woman went away encouraged by the community involvement and commitment to improving outcomes in breast cancer. That voucher offering an excellent discount at Get It On in Whitianga was a great reminder of an excellent night. The Mercury Bay community and the Coromandel region have a great deal to thank Mike Brown and his committee for, and behind that team are two excellent Lions Clubs – Whitianga and Mercury Bay Lions. The creative and caring force of that large team of women in their pink shirts is an inspiring asset.

Original article by The Coromandel Informer