From burlesque to fruiti hooties, it was a truly uplifting show at Summerset Richmond in the Ranges last week when models danced through their Bra Bonanza routines to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Twenty wearable art-style bras were created by residents and staff that wowed the audience with not only their creativity, but the models’ enthusiasm as they danced on the retirement home’s carpet. From head lights flashing and plumbing works of art with a masculine theme, to a rose garden, butterflies and a ‘hooters’ creation from the memory-care wing, it had it all.
The home’s activities director, Sarah Poepjes, says it all began when resident Linda Bergman, inspired by the World of WearableArt shows, WOW, suggested residents and staff could have some creative fun and raise funds at the same time. After contacting WOW which has Bizarre Bras, Sarah says Bra Bonanza was born and the end result was $2,381 for the Breast Cancer Foundation, with a lot of fun along the way.
“The bras and models blew me away! So much better than I could have expected. So much confidence.”
It was a show for all ages, from Linda’s 19-year-old granddaughter, Maisie Bergman, modelling her garments, to 90-year-old Coral Houssman with her Send in the Clowns creation modelled by Summerset carer Dayna George. In her description, Coral admitted she had hated clowns since being terrified by one at a circus when she was a child. But browsing through an op shop for inspiration for the show, it was a pillow with a clown design that gave her inspiration.
Welcome to Burlesque, designed by resident Carol Barker and Summerset hairdresser Dianne Johnston, had the winning costume, while Sarah’s own creation, Willy Wonkas Tuti Fruiti Hooties was named runner-up and modelled by the home’s receptionist, Lisa Kirwan.
They were judged by those who know a thing or two about wearable art as guest judges were Cassandra Thomson and Gillian Saunders who have both had numerous pieces in WOW over the years and Gillian has won the supreme award at WOW twice.
Sarah says this year’s Bra Bonanza is just the beginning.
“I think it will be an annual event. I’m blown away by the quality and we’ve had such a great response.”
