Bras for the Cause ’11 – A Look from the Inside

A little over two years ago, I was in a band building up a set list with the intention of playing bars.

We’re all local guys and regularly play for causes like the Tri Valley Haven, school fundraisers and the American Cancer Society’s Livermore Relay for Life. Our drummer at that time had a daughter who suggested we offer to play for a local charity event: Bras for the Cause.

I had heard about it before because my neighbor's house is on the route and they would set up a table for water and encouragement for the walkers. It’s a fundraiser for cancer research and treatment for breast cancer. But there’s an unusual twist to this event – participants are encouraged to dress up in zany costumes and wear decorated bras on the outside of their clothes!

This event also had a special meaning for me since my daughter’s namesake, and a close friend succumbed to breast cancer at 40.

The first year we were involved, we played in the parking lot of Physical Therapy Specialties, also on the route. Last year and then again this past Saturday night, we played at the finish line party at . Below is a brief recap of the event and some pictures to help you get an idea of what it’s all about:

We arrived shortly before the walk began, around 6:45 p.m., and the atmosphere was electric. Excitement and purpose blended with a good old-fashioned fun party atmosphere. Volunteers feverishly scrambled and expertly coordinated all the pre- and post-event festivities.

As we began our sound check, it was clear that everyone knew their role and the walkers would arrive to a warm, celebratory welcome.

The walkers started trickling into the multi-purpose room around 8:30 p.m. They pounced on the delicious food waiting for them and settled in for some music and a moving post-walk ceremony.

Each year, there is a slide presentation and inspiring stories and personal accounts of struggles and triumph. It’s not unusual to be moved to tears with stories of hope, adversity and breathtaking courage. The organizers and participants come together to create a rich, moving, silly and fun evening for an excellent cause.

We were proud and privileged to be a part of it and look forward to playing again next year.

Learn more about Dan Taylor at http://trivalleytrainer.com/.