Mardi-bras

The 2009 Photos are IN!

2009-07-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

We have just finished uploading the 2009 Mardi-Bras photos, courtesy of the amazing Carlos Avalos!

We're thrilled with the pics, hope you enjoy them as much as we did, if you have any you want to share, give us a shout and we'll put them up.

Check 'em out on the MB photo page!

The big number!

2009-07-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Thanks to your generous support, Mardi-Bras 2009 is pleased to announce the big number!

TA-DAAAAA!

That's right! $2,334.04 raised to benefit Princess Margaret Hospital through the Toronto Weekend To End Breast Cancer!

Keep your eyes on the blog and the site for photo updates, in the meantime, here's the first Mardi-Bras video on YouTube, our own Brynhildr of Boobies, The amazing Patte Rosebank!

Road closures!

2009-07-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

According to the Toronto Star, there are several road closures this weekend in Toronto, including Lakeshore Blvd. near the Gladstone, so please don't get caught in traffic and miss the show.

See you tonight!

The "better way" to fight cancer

2009-07-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, just one more sleep!

If you are taking the TTC to the Gladstone, the 29 Dufferin bus - which runs quite frequently - goes right by the venue, taking you to and from the Bloor-Danforth subway line at Dufferin Station. If you are travelling from the east or the west and taking the TTC, the 501 Queen streetcar runs all the way from Neville Park Loop in the east to Long Branch Loop in the west. Double check the TTC website for details. The Gladstone is at the corner of Gladstone Avenue and Queen Street, just east of Dufferin Street.

See you there!

Dressed up like a million-dollar trooper! Super-duper!

2009-07-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

The five reasons we're asking people to dress up for Mardi-Bras this Friday:

1. You'll never know who you might lock eyes with that evening and you'll want to look your best.

2. Dressing up lends an air of sophistication to any gathering.

3. Yes, you're fighting breast cancer while attending Mardi-Bras, which will make you feel good on the inside, but dressing up in your Sunday best will help you feel good about your outside too.

4. Fighting breast cancer is serious business.

5. Dressing up is fun -- did you see our Mardi-Bras queen from last year? Hubba-hubba!

Despite the incontestable logic of the above, if you feel you can better fight cancer in your jeans, shorts, bathing suit, Batman costume, whatever, we will certainly not turn you away at the door.

If you have any questions about our event, please go to our FAQ section on the Mardi-Bras website.

A mover and a shaker!

2009-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, we have a fabulous halftime show lined up for Mardi-Bras this coming Friday with belly dancer Kristina Shea, who performs under the name Kaharamana.

However, if entertaining our guests at the halftime show weren't enough, she has also kindly stepped forward to be one our models for the fashion show!

Kaharamana - which is Arabic for blue diamond and pronounced as Sahara - has been a belly dance performer for the past 10 years. She has performed all over, from the Middle East to Las Vegas. She is presently a certified dance instructor in Burlington, Ontario, teaching dance and belly fitness at Cedar Springs Health Club. Kaharamana performs for corporate events, grand openings and ladies' nights, and teaches group and private classes. Her Student Troupe Habibi also performs at various events in the GTA and always is looking for new dancers!

Kaharamana has been so kind, so enthusiastic, so giving with her time and her talents for our event that we had to do another post about her as she's such a wonderful person!

Thanks Kristina Shea!

Say cheese!

2009-07-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

This will be a night to remember! As such, we wouldn't want you to forget the second Mardi-Bras show and have enlisted the services of photographer Carlos Avalos to capture the fun this Friday.

Carlos Avalos is a Toronto-based photographer servicing the corporate, private and public sectors. In business for over a decade, Carlos has built a reputation for delivering exceptionally high quality images to his diverse range of clients. His work has been published in various magazines, both here in Canada and in the United States. For a more complete look at his image stock, please visit carlosavalos.com.

Thanks Carlos for working while the rest of us will be having the night of our lives this Friday!

An endless source of inspiration and positive energy

2009-07-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

We at Mardi-Bras would like to send out a special thank you to Katrina Carrier.

Katrina was an artist and model for last year's event. Her bra was a lovely chain mail creation, composed of thousands of tiny silver handmade links! Even though she is swamped with work, Katrina has found time in her full schedule to once again contribute another wonderful bra to our fashion show this year.

Katrina is an endless source of inspiration and positive energy, she's super enthusiastic and really generous with her time and talents.

We're delighted to have Katrina Carrier back and just want to say "Thanks!"

Looking good, feeling great, fighting cancer!

2009-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to unveil the latest donations to Mardi-Bras silent auction.

First on the block is a delightful pink ribbon handbag. This stylish denim tote is lined with a pink ribbon pattern and finished with a pink support ribbon. This lovely creation will look good anywhere!

Next is a wonderful pink bow clutch, handmade and also accented with a pink bow. The perfect accessory for a evening on the town.

Both of these bags are from Cherrylicious Designs. Lisa Farinaccio of Cherrylicious Designs is also the person who kindly set up our Facebook event page for us! What a lovely person!

Our other donation is from Odd Bird Designs, who also kindly donated to our event last year. They have given us several charming domino designs that are sure to become one of your favourite jewellery pieces.

Fighting cancer has never made you look so good and feel so great!

Thanks so much to both Odd Bird Designs and to Cherrylicious Designs!

Celebrating 5 Years Free!

2009-07-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Five years is a big milestone for cancer survivors.

When you hit five years, your risk of recurrence is significantly reduced, and many five-year survivors will also see ten years disease free! Doctors schedule appointments further apart, you're back to a more regular exam schedule and your insurance companies start to lighten up. Life becomes a series of "nexts" as opposed to "ifs".

It's a place of relief and a time for celebration!

Anne Campbell, a good friend of Mardi-Bras has just celebrated her fifth year treatment free!!! Congratulations Anne!

Anne is one of life's exceptional people whose good cheer and humour no doubt steered her into such a wonderful recovery. The sentiment on her anniversary party invitations gave me such a warm fuzzy I had to share it:

A hair prosthetic named Osmond: $800.00
Shawls, wraps and raglan sleeved tops: $75.00
Pink socks and T shirts: $50.00
Registration fee to walk for the cure: $40.00
Friends who helped me through the journey and continue to help me celebrate: Priceless

Congratulations to Anne and all of the 2009 Five-Year Survivors!

Kropserkel - correcting the course of our entire social structure on the planet Earth.

2009-07-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

New this year we have the talent and enthusiasm of Kropserkel contributing a bra to the show.

Without giving away the surprise, this one is very topical to some big news at Kropserkel. They've acquired the rights to the very classic Metropolis Robot! (SWEET!)

A Canadian-based creative studio serving the entertainment industry and private clients with physical artifacts, Kropserkel is a creative workshop that designs and fabricates props, costumes, and other curiosities. Their licensed Metropolis Robot, the 'Maschinenmensch' will be completed later this year.

Their rather impressive credits list includes fan favourites like Battlestar Galactica and Resident Evil: Apocalypse!

Thank you so much Kropserkel!

Two more wonderful silent auction donations!

2009-07-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras has two more wonderful silent auction announcements to make.

Adrian Kuzyk, a wood craftsman, has kindly donated this lovely salad bowl. It's made from maple wood, is hand turned and has a walnut oil finish. The bi-coloured bowl will be perfect for those salad days!

Next, J. Paul Ionine is a ceramic and lithographic artist, who created this lovely white porcelain bustier. It has mother of pearl finished panels and is accented with pink ribbon, and has been plaque mounted and dated.

Plus, ten percent of the final bid for this wonderful one-of-a-kind piece will be matched and donated to the Grimsby Rotary Foundation for World Health Issues!

Thank you to both Adrian Kuzyk and J. Paul Ionine!

That's Incredible!

2009-07-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Mardi-Bras silent auction has another incredible donation: A signed NFL football from Fran Tarkenton, who is a former professional football player and television personality.

This generous and one-of-a-kind item was kindly donated by Wolf and Monika von Brisinski, who are business partners of Fran Tarkenton.

Fran Tarkenton was a quarterback, who played with the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants. For those non-sports types, you probably know Tarkenton's name from being a co-host of That's Incredible and a commentator on Monday Night Football.

This pigskin is sure to be one that football fans and television fans will want to get their hands on!

Thank you very much to Wolf and Monika von Brisinski!

Parking for Mardi Bras

2009-07-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Follow the link for Green "P" parking info!!!!

Link to parking

Udon Entertainment

2009-07-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

For the second year, Mardi-Bras sends a big thank-you to Jim Zubkavich and the many talented people of Udon Entertainment!

They have, very generously, donated a whole pile of great Udon prizes to our raffle and silent auction! Art Books, Comics, some of their new Manga for Kids, and a 3 pack of Resident Evil for Playstation games!

Thank you so much Jim Zubkavich and Udon Entertainment!

Grand Prize Raffle; Oh what a night!

2009-07-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Get your hands on two of the hottest tickets in town!

Enter the Mardi-Bras Grand Prize Raffle for your chance to win two tickets to see Dancap Productions' Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! But, if this weren't enough of a reason to open up the piggy bank to get your hands on the winning ticket, we will also include a gift card to Milestones for dinner!

Dinner and a show, what a combo!

The amazing people at Dancap have arranged it so the lucky winner gets to pick the date of the show, which is currently playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, until the end of September. A Milestones is close by the theatre and both are within walking distance of the TTC subway line.

Thank you so much to Dancap Productions!

A reflection of good taste

2009-06-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is delighted to announce the latest generous donation to our silent auction from an anonymous donor.

This piece, Floating Table with Cup, is by Mark Manchester, who is a key grip and amateur photographer.

According to Mark, this photograph was taken using a Pentax 750z digital camera while working on the set of Being Erica, during the summer of 2008. The picture was cropped and slightly colour amended in iPhoto before being printed on an Epson R280 printer.

Mark writes: "The interest to me at the time was the number of reflected elements visible. The table is reflected in the window of the building that was a location for our television show. The building across the street which acts as a background was being lit by reflections of sunlight hitting our building. The green and black squares shown are the reflection of the building we were in. The cup in the foreground is also the cup on the table.

"As a key grip, I play a role in the lighting of a set. Light, shadow and reflections all fascinate me and create a richness of texture which helps become that temporary world for the actors and storytellers. On occasion I will record an interesting image as I see it. Lucky for me the sets have been lit by a talented team of professionals... I merely take advantage of proximity."

Don't be so modest, Mark! This is a beautiful fleeting moment that has been captured forever by someone who noticed it and the resulting masterpiece will be treasured by a lucky bidder in our silent auction.

Thank you very much to our generous anonymous donor!

Keeping in touch

2009-06-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Further to an earlier blog post, we can now tell you about Dave Staffen of Send Out Cards' other donation to the Mardi-Bras silent auction.

Dave is donating a $25 greeting card account to our silent auction. The lucky bidder will have access to the Send Out Cards system for one year and they will receive enough points to send out 10 greeting cards or 20 postcards. They will also be able to personalize the inside of each card with a picture or a message of their own. Send Out C a rds features more than 16,000 cards, which you send from your computer through the post to a friend or family member. Your recipient gets a physical card from you that they will treasure.

Plus for every new account that Dave sets up in the next 12 months, he will donate $5 to the Cancer Society in memory of his family member who passed away from breast cancer.

Thank you so much Dave Staffen of Send Out Cards!

The Super Bowl ain't got nothin' on our halftime show!

2009-06-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hooray! We recently got confirmation that we will have a wonderful halftime show during the Mardi-Bras parade -- which is less than two weeks away!

Keeping with our celebration of the human body, we have a belly dancer to entertain our many guests as a break during the runaway section of the show. Kristina Shea is a professional belly dancer from Burlington, who will dazzle and delight you with her belly dancing skills.

We look forward to Kristina's performance and know that you will enjoy it as much as we will!

Sci Feye Candy is Back!

2009-06-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah Cresswell of Sci Feye Candy is officially back for her second Mardi-Bras as an artist and generous sponsor!

Along with this year's fabulous creation Sarah is donating one of her super-handy leg-holster bags as seen in her accessories gallery. (I love mine, makes you feel like Lara Croft.)

Based in Scarborough, Sarah works on a custom order basis and from the looks of her website, she can make just about anything you can imagine! Sarah started Sci Feye Candy after graduating from the Fashion Techniques and Design program at George Brown College. In addition to getting Sci Feye Candy up and running, Sarah currently works part-time at Plastik Wrap in Toronto.

Thank you so much Sarah of Sci Feye Candy!

Taking the High Road

2009-06-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

The wonderful people at High Road Communications Toronto, have very generously donated a collection of DVDs to our raffle and silent auction!

We won't give away the titles, but this is a really nice collection with a lot of variety!

High Road is a Communications and PR firm. According to their mission statement; "It’s about the passion to drive your company onward. We shape innovative communications strategies for your brand. And we deliver on them."

This is not the first time High Road has given to the community. Recently one of their CEOs, Mia Wedgbury, created and contributed a piece of art to the Sketch auction. Sketch is a Toronto art studio devoted to street youth.

Thank you so much High Road Communications!

Nails By Natalie

2009-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Nails By Natalie of Toronto has very generously donated gift certificates for two people to enjoy a manicure and pedicure!

After all, the only thing better than a mani and pedi is enjoying them with your favourite person!
This pair of gift certificates will be added to our grand prize raffle so you'll have to be at the show to win them! If you just can't wait that long you can book your appointment with Nails By Natalie at 14 Isabella St., Toronto (416) 961-nail (6245).

Thank You So much Nails By Natalie!

Suddenly, I could use a Mai Tai

2009-06-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Our latest addition to the Mardi-Bras show comes from Wendy Aaltomaa of Thunder Bay.

Without giving away too much, Wendy's theme has us all thinking of warm breezes, sunsets, ukulele music and sipping on something frosty and fruity while digging your toes into the hot sand.

Wendy is a graphic designer and as a good Northern Ontario girl, she enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, scrapbooking and spending time with her cats. This fall, she and her husband are looking forward to the birth of the first new addition to their family!

Wendy would like to dedicate her lovely creation to all breast cancer patients and survivors.

Thank you and Congratulations Wendy!

We're officially coast to coast!

2009-06-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today, Mardi-Bras got it first Mardi-Bras Bra from the East Coast, and our second out-of-province submission. This lovely piece of art -- yes, it's a bra, but it's a lovely one-of-a-kind creation -- is from our talented Bra Artistian, Sarah O'Malley of Halifax! It's a really beauty and continues the high standard for Mardi-Bras Bra submissions we have received so far! Thanks Sarah!

Just 15 days to go!

Fifth Avenue Jewelry

2009-06-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is pleased to announce the addition of another generous sponsor to our silent auction!

Heather Faulkner, independent jeweler with the Fifth Avenue Collection has donated some lovely pieces for your bidding pleasure!

Heather chose a business opportunity with Fifth Avenue after deciding to stay home with her children. She needed a flexible business plan that allowed her to get out and socialize while stabilizing her income. Fifth Avenue fit the bill!

You can find the full catalog at Heather's website. While you're there you can book a show and if you choose to become a VIP customer, shipping is free on orders of $50 or more!

Thank you so much Heather of Fifth Avenue Jewelry!

The Bras are coming in fast and fantastic!

2009-06-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

We at Mardi Bras are thrilled to announce that another wonderful Mardi-Bras Bra has been received!

This lovely creation is from Bra Artistian Karen Killbride. Karen is a classically trained animator and illustrator. Her career includes credits with Disney and Warner feature animation. Presently, Karen’s time is occupied with her wonderful family and job, yet she still manages to squeeze in a little time to be creative!

Karen dedicates her Bra, as always, to Heather and Jodi, who are at the top of her list. Then, to the memory of darling Michelle and the future her tiny children face without her.

Thanks to Karen Killbride for her superb creation which is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Our first out-of-province Mardi-Bras Bra

2009-06-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are over the moon to announce that we just got our first out-of-province Mardi-Bras Bra from Deanna Partridge-David of Deedeebird Art & Illustration. Deanna took part in last year's event and we are truly delighted to have her back again.

The bra, which came all the way from British Columbia, looks great. We'd love to show it to you, we really, really would. But that would spoil the surprise. It is gorgeous! Do you want to see it? Well, you'll have to come to Mardi-Bras on July 10th to see it and all the other fantastic Mardi-Bras Bras from our talented Bra Artistians.

Deanna dedicates her wonderful creation to Ruth, her husband's aunt. Ruth is a breast cancer survivor who is participating in studies to further breast cancer research. Good for Ruth and for Deanna!

Thanks to Deanna of Deedeebird Art & Illustration for her excellent creation which is sure to be a crowd favourite!

22 Days to Go!

2009-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

The date for Mardi-Bras is drawing nearer and nearer! July 10th is going to be so much fun!

The planning, the tiny details, and behind-the-scenes programming for Mardi-Bras' second fund-raising event are well under way. We have lots of models (but could do with a few more fabulous ladies!); lots of wonderful bras are coming in, including out-of-province creations; more wonderful sponsors who know a good thing when they see it; great artists donating their time and talent to help us raise money with the silent auction in the fight against breast cancer and a few surprises up our sleeves to make the evening a magical and memorable event. You'll have so much fun!

Just 22 days to go!

Janac Sportswear

2009-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras would like to turn our spotlight on Janac Sportswear for this blog post.

Janac Sportswear was launched about 10 years ago when Janet Cockburn couldn't find a good sports bra to wear after having a mastectomy. Janac Sportswear, a Canadian company, fills an ever-growing need to help breast cancer survivors feel good about their body-image. The company has two products -- various styles of sports bras for women who have undergone mastectomies, and Been-A-Boob, a prosthesis that acts like a breast, which is also available in various shapes and sizes.

As we all could guess in a fight with cancer, every bit of morale counts and Janac Sportswear fills an important need for breast cancer survivors to feel good about themselves.

How tweet!

2009-06-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is now on Twitter. Follow the adventures of Mammy Gram's girls as they put together the social event of the season!

A generous anonymous gift!

2009-06-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is pleased to announce its latest donation to our silent auction, a $50 gift certificate which will be honoured at either Klaxon Howl or Delphic. This very generous donation has been made anonymously.

Klaxon Howl is location at 694r Queen Street, West (rear entrance) and Delphic can be found at 706 Queen Street, West, at Manning Avenue, just west of Bathurst Street in Toronto. Klaxon Howl, according to its blog spot, draws its inspirations for its clothing lines from the spirit and icons of the past, creating unique clothing with a nostalgic, ardent feel. Toronto Life’s review of Delphic describes its fashion line as current streetwear that is classic enough to last, the shop also carries some women’s wear and jewellery.

Thank you very much to our very generous anonymous donor!

Kookaburra Laughing Productions Presents A Very Special Guest Artist.

2009-06-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Seven-year-old Kalyna Kuzyk was only two when her Mumma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she doesn't remember too much about that time, Kalyna understands how breast cancer has affected her Mumma's life. Proving that little people can do great things, Miss Kuzyk decided to paint one of her magical birds on wood and donate it to Mardi-Bras to help raise money to end breast cancer. In her spare time Miss Kuzyk loves to read novels, write stories, paint unique, colourful birds, "do" art, and trains six hours a week in competitive gymnastics. Kalyna hopes her bird entitled Marcellus, the Slicker Chicken raises "at least $40, if that's not too much" at Mardi-Bras. Let's not disappoint this budding philanthropist!

Mardi-Bras on Facebook

2009-06-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Lisa Farinaccio of Cherrylicious, and one of our own Mardi-Bra artists has graciously gone to the trouble of setting up a Facebook event page for us! Please feel free to invite your entire friends list and share with everyone you know!

Share on Facebook

We'll have a (basket) ball!

2009-06-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is proud to announce its two latest submissions to our silent auction: a fine-looking basketball and jersey, both signed by the Harlem Globetrotter s! These two exciting items were kindly donated to our silent auction by Dave Staffen of Send Out Cards.

Send Out C a rds features more than 16,000 cards, which you send from your computer through the post to a friend or family member. Your recipient gets a physical card from you that they will treasure. Send Out Cards has more than 500 Christmas cards and over 200 Hallowe'en cards! You can also design your own one-of-a-kind card when you want to let that one-of-a-kind person know that you are thinking of them. Dave invites you to visit the website to send a free card.

A future post to our Mardi-Bras blog will be about Dave's other generous donation to our silent auction and more information about his company, Send Out Cards.

Thank you so much Dave Staffen of Send Out Cards!

Fuzzy fun!

2009-06-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Banjo Puppets has once again added some fuzz and fun to the Mardi-Bras silent auction! We are the proud temporary custodians of three little puppets, who are all eagerly waiting for new homes! The puppets donated by Banjo Puppets for last year's silent auction were a hit and more than one person was sad not to go home with one of the adorable critters. (They are very trainable!)

Banjo Puppets is a Toronto-based company, which makes fabulous hand-crafted puppets that have been featured on television, in music videos, on live stage and in festivals.

Joel even made us a Mardi-Bras exclusive. She is so glittery, drag queens would think she's a bit much. We've named her Zsa Zsa. Won't you consider giving a home to one of these wonderful puppets?

Thanks so much to Banjo Puppets!

An old-fashioned way to beat breast cancer

2009-06-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

Jamie Pratt has donated two handmade books to the Mardi-Bras silent auction!

Several years ago Jamie took a course on bookbinding and has subsequently bound dozens and dozens of books; both old volumes with worn bindings, which required some loving care to once more become treasured objects and new books made from blank pages. Jamie is currently rebinding an early 19th-century set of Samuel Johnson's works. After rebinding each volume in the set, Jamie is reading it, so by the end he will have read all of Johnson's papers, introductions, essays, novels, etc.

The two books Jamie has donated to Mardi-Bras are purse/pocket size and have blank papers which are perfect for jotting down thoughts, recording journal entries or for drawings.

Thanks so much to Jamie Pratt!

The Bata Shoe Museum helps us take a step towards curing breast cancer

2009-06-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Bata Shoe Museum, one of Toronto's great museums, has kindly donated a Family Pass to Mardi-Bras' silent auction!

The Bata Shoe Museum features a one-of-a-kind collection; shoes from all walks of life! The Museum has tens of thousands of boots, mules, slippers, clogs, pumps, sandals, etc. Each one has a fascinating story, such as shoes worn by Elton John, ballerina Karen Kain, or "lotus" shoes for bound feet once considered the high of beauty for women in China. The collection of the Museum spans the globe and 4,500 years of history!

The Museum also features a charming section about how shoes have played a role in children's literature over the centuries. (Where would Cinderella be without her shoes?)

Thank you so much to the Bata Shoe Museum!

All Dressed Returns!

2009-06-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Our latest contribution to the Mardi-Bras silent auction recently arrived from Arlen of All Dressed couture!

Like last year, it's another gorgeous handmade scarf, using a silk blend velvet lined with 100% silk charmeuse and chiffon. She does the burn out pattern by hand and as always, her work is absolutely flawless.

All Dressed is Arlen's own label. She is an accomplished couture with an education in historical costume and can handle any kind of special request. Arlen has created everything from original costumes for bands, film, television to tiny puppets and enormous mascots, and replicas for those of us with a taste for authentic Hallowe'en costumes. She also handles custom-fit corsetry, bridal and evening wear.

Thank you so much Arlen of All Dressed!

It was in the cards

2009-06-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras is delighted to have our tarot card reader return from last year's event.

Since childhood, Leanne has felt a special calling to the imaginative power of archetype, and has devoted much time and study in her adult life to further understand the mysteries of our universal story. She considers the time she spends reading the cards as a spiritual practice, intended to shine a light on situations in our lives that can confound us if we do not recognize the richness and complexities that surround our circumstances.

Please spend some time with Leanne and the tarot to help us beat breast cancer at Mardi-Bras!

Toronto Raptors and Mardi-Bras!

2009-05-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

More exciting news from Mardi-Bras Headquarters. We have recieved an official Jose Calderon #8 autographed plaque for Mardi-Bras courtesy of the Toronto Raptors!

Thank you so much Toronto Raptors!

Lola By Design

2009-05-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

This very exciting gift has just been donated to the silent auction by Lola, one of our glamorous models, a Mammy Gram's girl, half of team Cola and brilliant mind behind Lola By Design!

A private four-hour workshop (value: $150) - Introduction To Flameworking

This individual one-on-one workshop will serve as an introduction to the art of glass bead making.

The weekend class is four hours long with a one-hour lunch break. All tools, glass, safety glasses, and equipment are included. Students are asked to tie back long hair and wear natural cotton fabric clothing with long, tight-fitting sleeves. Old jeans are suggested as the workshop can sometimes get a little messy.

The workshop will start out with a overview of the equipment and tools, as well as basic safety information.

Bead making topics will include pulling stringer and twisted cane, how to make spacer and round beads, adding dots, stringer and twisted cane decoration to your bead, floral beads, and tabular beads. You may expect to finish 5 - 10 beads during the four-hour workshop.

All beads that are made in this workshop will be kiln-annealed and available for pick-up the following day.

Lola is an award-winning animation director who enjoys the meditative practice of working within the medium of glass. Fascinated by the process of rearranging a substance at the molecular level by the application of the primal element of fire, she suspends these moments in time allowing her to create unique developments in the colour, form and texture that is ultimately present in the finished pieces.

Thank you so much Lola By Design!

The First 2 Mardi Bras!

2009-05-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a big week for Mardi-Bras!

We have received our first two bras for the show! Just like last year it was Jenn of Paper People Clothing who was first to enter and first to hand in! In case you missed out last year, Jenn did a fabulous pair of designs using all recycled materials! She even hand punched her own sequins from pop-cans! Talk about attention to detail!

Just like last year, we're not going to post photos of the Bras. We're saving the big reveal for the show. In the meantime, here's a bit about the artist herself:

Jennifer Fukushima grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the only clothing options were cookie cutter fashions from the local mall and second hand findings from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. In search of something different, she began surfing the internet, perusing crafty DIY sites like Sparkle Craft and Epitome Girl. At the age of seventeen, Fukushima decided to launch her own line, Paper People.

Fukushima moved to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson University and soon her line was carried at local downtown boutiques. She sourced second hand t-shirts and turned them into funky, eclectic tank tops. Paper People has since evolved to include eco-friendly options, such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton garments. The line blends colour, texture and pattern for a DIY, handmade appeal.

Today Paper People is carried at many independent boutiques in Toronto and across Canada. Check out: www.paperpeopleclothing.com for more information and shop listings.

Thank you so much Paper People Clothing!

www.mardi-bras.com

2009-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

We made it "official" and bought www.mardi-bras.com. It's still under some construction, but go check it out. We've got photos up from last year, links, and the standard 411.

More to come!

The Princess Margaret Changes The Face Of Breast Cancer Diagnosis In Canada!

2009-05-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

These are the kind of headlines that keep us stoked about continuing support of the amazing team at Princess Margaret Hospital!

This is so thrilling! As you probably know by now, Mardi-Bras is a fund raiser in support of Princess Margaret Hospital. In the past 6 years that they have been doing the Weekend To End Breast Cancer, millions of dollars have been raised to support research, treatment, and survivorship services to one of the top 5 cancer hospitals in the world! One of the programs the WEBC has been seeding is the rapid diagnosis program. (One of the biggest weapons in fighting any kind of cancer is early diagnosis and treatment.) Thanks to an incredibly generous $12.5-million donation provided by Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, the Princess Margaret has announced same-day diagnosis, effectively eradicating a 37-day wait and all the anxiety that goes with it!

How phenomenal is that?! We're so excited about it, I'm pasting the full WEBC newsletter and corresponding links below, it's really worth checking out. As terrific as this news is, the fight isn't over yet. Although we'd all love to have $12.5 million to donate, every little bit helps. So come on out and have a great time for a great cause at Mardi-Bras, and if you can't make it, you can still pledge the hospital directly through the WEBC for a tax receipt, or just to feel great about being part of the team who is going to beat cancer!!

Congratulations to PMH!

Dear Friend,

You are making a difference! Don’t stop fundraising. Every dollar counts. Today, The Princess Margaret Hospital announced the creation of The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre named after the generous gift of $12.5 million from Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight. This centre was seed-funded by the dollars you raised during The Weekend to End Breast Cancer^® benefiting The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret.

As there are often long wait times for breast cancer screening and diagnosis, patients of The Princess Margaret will be able to avoid the anxiety of waiting and receive same-day diagnosis.

The program and its capacity will grow over time. In the next few months the program will be able to accommodate 15 patients per week (or 750 per year) and will increase exponentially with a vision of diagnosing 3,000 patients per year by the time the program is running at full capacity in 2013. We hope The Rapid Diagnostic Centre will help transform patient care not just at The Princess Margaret but elsewhere.

Using a new pathology processor funded by The Weekend to End Breast Cancer participants and donors, the vision for the program is for women and men suspected of having breast cancer to receive all their tests, diagnosis, and treatment plan in one day at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The Globe and Mail has reported on this exciting news. To read more, view the article here.

Know that you are helping those like Karen Louie, who took part in a pilot project at the hospital, to fight a daunting disease. Ms. Louie was given her breast cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan within three hours of her biopsy in May 2008.

"When we left, we were shell-shocked, but felt reassured that at least we now knew what we were dealing with," Karen Louie, vice-president, general counsel and secretary at Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., said of the three-hour wait with her husband for a diagnosis. "We had a plan of action we could focus on."

Paul Alofs, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, said he hopes other centres can replicate the service and that it can be expanded to other kinds of cancer.

Sincerely,

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer
Benefiting The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret

The Bigger, Bolder Weekend. Fighting all women’s cancers, step by step.

Air Combat Zone!

2009-04-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Attention all you urban Top Gun (ers)!

We have received word from Air Combat Zone, (ACZ Mississauga) that two people will be needed to accept a high flying mission into Awesometown!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to spend 90 minutes training and flying live action, head-to-head combat with one of your friends in the cockpit of a CF-18 Hornet Jet Fighter flight simulators! From signing in at flight ops, right through to your return to base, missions at Air Combat Zone are a completely unique entertainment experience from start to finish. Relax in the ready room until your mission launch time, complete your flight and combat skills training, attend the pre-mission briefing and then you're off to take to the sky on a mission in CF-18 Hornet combat flight simulators. Your mission will be the most fun and realistic fighter pilot experience available without joining the Air Force.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to be a real F/A-18 pilot, now’s your chance to find out. The Air Combat Zone experience redefines entertainment to bring you the thrill of a lifetime!

*no previous flying experience necessary.

This amazing experience will be added to the Mardi-Bras silent auction, so get there early and get in your bid!

Thank you SO much Air Combat Zone!

The Mannequin Pimp!

2009-04-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras would like to thank our wonderful sponsor Conn Burke of Recycled Displays, who has generously donated the use of display mannequins to honour the Courage and Strength of all woman who are affected by Breast Cancer, especially Lorraine Waldman.

Direct From KuKu CaJu!

2009-04-14T04:38:00.000-07:00

The lovely ladies from KuKu CaJu, in the booming metropolis of Damascus, Ontario, have generously donated one of their whimsical paintings on wood for the Mardi-Bras Silent Auction! Check out their funky work at kukucaju.etsy.com! We are so grateful, and excited to have them on board!

Odd Bird Designs

2009-04-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just got word from Tara of Odd Bird Designs that Mardi-Bras will receive another 10 of her one-of-a-kind domino pendants! These were a big hit in the silent auction last year.

Odd Bird transforms ordinary little objects into pieces of unique jewelry. Inspired by game pieces and bric-a-brac, Odd Bird sets out to create mixed media pieces that are decidedly quirky yet fun to wear. Odd Bird is for those who want to stand out from the flock!

Tara Campbell has always enjoyed alternative crafting. She is a member of the Fresh Collective (designers' co-op) in Toronto and also works in the animation industry. Check her out online at her site or on her Etsy shop!

Thanks so much Tara of Odd Bird!

Get Spun

2009-03-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that keeping yourself in good health, reducing fats, not smoking and getting lots of exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

To that end, I'm particularly excited to have Get Spun on board as the latest Mardi-Bras benefactor! They have generously donated a gift pass for a full month of unlimited spinning classes! Get spun is one of the friendliest work out facilities I've been to. They offer cycling, pilates, and gravity classes for all fitness levels. You can even pay per class if you're not sure and want to try it out first!

Thanks so much Christie Ness and the super staff of Get Spun Toronto!

Ultra Bras!

2009-03-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Exciting news from Mardi Bras Central. A generous person, who shall remain nameless, someplace somewhere in North America managed to procur four autographed bras of super talent DJ's and musical artists. A full list of autographs is on its way, but for those curious, here's a link to a picture of the phenomenal Fergie, from the Grammy Award-winning Black-Eyed Peas, signing one of our bras! Stay tuned for more!

Photos!

2009-03-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's been expressed that a few people were having trouble finding the photos from last year. Can't have that, they're too fantastic to hide!

Here are two links to the blog posts with the photos from last year's Mardi Bras.

Hope they inspire all kinds of new and wonderful things for this year!

Imaginism Studios

2009-03-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

This week I picked up a very beautiful and generous donation from the incredible artists at Imaginism Studios!

Six, specially selected prints from their collection for our silent auction! I'm not going to give away which ones were donated, you'll have to come see them at Mardi-Bras! In the meantime, have a browse through their online gallery, I'm sure you'll enjoy their work as much as I do.

...well, ok. Here's a sneak peak:

Thank you so much Kei & Bobby of Imaginism Studios!

Banjo Puppets

2009-03-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Banjo Puppets, a favourite from last year's silent auction, has generously offered to sponsor us again for Mardi-Bras 2009!

Joel, will also be at the One Of A Kind show and sale from April 1 to 5! Check out the artisan profile.

The little friends he created for us last year were so popular and so well made, we can't wait to see what he's got prepared for this year!

Thank you so much Banjo Puppets!

Gladstone Hotel

2009-03-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Mardi-Bras wouldn't be as large as it's become this year without the very generous support of one of Toronto's finest establishments, the Gladstone Hotel!

Business and leisure travellers flock to experience the Gladstone Hotel’s artist-designed accommodations, local cultural events, diverse, friendly staff and great food and drink presented in a truly Torontonian neighbourhood environment. Restored and revitalized in 2005, Toronto’s historic landmark Gladstone Hotel has established an international reputation as a unique urban hotel providing an authentic experience of local creative culture. The hotel has become a social and cultural incubator facilitating new ways of experiencing art, culture and community.

One of the top 10 art hotels in the world!

~ LUX Magazine Summer 2008

One of the top 10 hotels in Toronto and “best artistic experience”

~ Guardian UK 28.12.07

Personally, I'm very excited about the atmosphere the Gladstone gives this event! They have great photos on their website, so I'll only post a few here, but check out the gorgeous old wood bars and rich drapery! It's elegant, colourful, the staff have been so wonderful and accommodating, I would recommend them for any occasion.

Thank you so much to all the folks at the Gladstone Hotel!

The First Mardi Bra!

2009-03-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

You may remember Paper People Clothing from last year. Jenn was our first contributor to the artisan bra show and she's done it again! Paper people clothing has contributed the first Mardi-Bra of 2009!

They've also redesigned their website since last year and it looks awesome. Check it out

Thank you so much Jenn of Paper People Clothing!

Bublichka Originals by Patte Rosebank

2009-03-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are off to an excellent start for the second annual Mardi Bras!

Last year we received a very unique contribution to the silent auction, by Patte Rosebank of Bublichka Originals. This year Patte is back, and not only will she be featured as our opening performer to the show, she has created another Mardi Bras exclusive:

Awesome! Patte even includes the spirit gum and complete instructions on "twirling". You'll be the talk of the office party with a set of these!

Thanks so much Patte Rosebank!

July 10! Save the Date!

2009-03-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Mardi Bras 2!

2009-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello again everybody!

Mardi Bras 2 is officially on and as I'm typing this the team is getting together the dates, times and all the essential info you'll be needing to join us in making this one even better than the last!

Artists: If you're into creating something truly unique and original, we'd love to have you on board! Just email me (jrfaulkner10@gmail.com), Heather (parentha@hotmail.com), Arlen (arlen@alldressed.net) or comment to the blog and we'll get you the details for the show.

Models: We need your fabulous bodies back on the runway! Email any of the above addresses or comment to the blog and we'll book you in!

All proceeds still benefit Princess Margaret Hospital and the Campbell Family Institute, for a cure in our life time!

WEBC 2008!

2008-09-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it.

4,757 participants raised over 13 million dollars and walked 60k in this year's Toronto Weekend To End Breast Cancer!

It was awesome...It was really wet, but awesome.

The oldest walker to ever finish the full 60k came in at 96 years old! Well done! (She actually looked like she was in better shape than me at the finish line.)

There are so many people I want to thank. $3,550.40 in fund raising and 60k walking doesn't happen without a tremendous amount of support.

Starting with my family, who pledged generously, leant cars, equipment, time and skills to Mardi Bras, who canvassed their neighbours for an enormous garage sale, held a BBQ and Poker tournament and even my 2 year old niece who helped out selling buttons!

Heather, Me, Jay

To my Auntie Linda, Uncle Brian, Kim, Glen, Montana & Savannah: For posting this awesome sign on the lawn! It was right on our walking route before lunch. You have no idea how great that was for our morale!

To my friends: I've often said that I know the best people, and you guys proved that once again with all of your pledges, your incredible creations for Mardi Bras, the amazing number of you who came out and made that so successful. For your phone calls, emails, and text messages along the route. It easy to get discouraged over 60k, blisters, in the rain, and in all ways big and small, you guys kept me going.
An extra special thank you to Heather, Kally and Owen for coming all the way up from Burlington to cheer us on! I kept the hugs you sent me on with to keep me warm, the entire way.

Kally, Heather, Me

To my teammates: For their salty humor, drive and especially Carolyn's ability to find the up side to everything. A special mention to all of those wonderful people we met along the route. Everyone who shared a laugh, a cry, a story, contributed to making this entire weekend extraordinary and memorable.

Me, Sandy & Carolyn first Marker, Day 1

Carolyn & Me on Blister Patrol

Sandy & Carolyn at one of the decorated homes

It's funny how in a sea of 5,000 people, you're bound to run into (or almost sit on) someone you know. This is Tammy Shantz, friend from ages ago and good friend of my Sister-in-law

Day 2 - Me and Carolyn at the final marker before the finish!

To my co-workers: All the awesome folks at Nelvana and Cuppa Coffee Animation who came out, pledged, donated swag and wished me well Friday. You guys are the best!

To the Weekend Staff: The Crew was AWESOME. The food was great, the base camp was a riot. The medical staff!! Nurse Norma, if I ever have a daughter I'm naming her after YOU! You all made the entire weekend so much fun.

To everyone who decorated their homes, made signs, who came out to cheer, who pledged, to the Mardi Bras artists, models, team Cola and everyone who helped out in all ways big and small. I thank you. Sincerely.

In saving the best for last, a very special thank you to my sweet heart. He wore a pink tie to Mardi Bras, he canvassed his hockey team and co-workers for pledges, sold tickets, and brought me warm dry shoes and socks and a large hot coffee to a cheering station all the way down town in the rain. Who brought me home, made me dinner and keeps me all around spoiled rotten.
13 million dollars is going to see an end to cancer in out life time!!

Some more photos:

Roma's Roses, good show of team spirit!

Opening ceremonies 7am, in the rain.

Pink ribbon hair!

There's something really unwholesome about a guy with boobs on his head sitting in a playground.

This was a big highlight for me. I've been helping Randy Mellon over at www.thinkpinkdirect.com. Doing design work for t-shirts, hats, mugs etc. There were tons of them everywhere! That was cool. :)

optometrist support! So you can see the boobies you save!

GREAT neighborhood of ribbons, snacks, cheers, these guys are awesome!

We made it to the 400 all the way from the ex! (we still had a way to go, but this was pretty cool.)

Banner at base camp for everyone to sign

Carolyn at Basecamp

Sandy at basecamp

Heh, wish I'd thought of that one.

Nice Knockers

Walk of fame! We Made it! WOOT!

Maybe never wear shoes again...

The survivors victory walk!

Thank you!
See you at Mardi Bras 2009!

On With The Show - This Is IT!

2008-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

The LONG awaited Mardi Bras Show Photos!!!
Some people had expressed a desire for a little discretion, so I'm only going to post first names here. If you want me to add your last name, just drop a comment and I'll fix it.

Baby NumNums
By Deanna in Honor of Aunt Ruth
Modeled By Mylissa

Gypsy Breeze
By Crissy
Modeled By Lindsay

Steam Iron Support For A Heavy Metal Girl
By Nelson
Modeled By Lola

Revenge of the Alienus Rei
By Sparks
Modeled by Sparx!

BeDazzled
By Carolyn In Honor of
Modeled by Lindsay

Our Troops Support!
By Jules
Modeled By Courtney

Beach Combing
By Sarah O
Modeled by Sarah C

Crazy Quilt Called Life
By Mylissa and Alison In loving Memory of their Grandma
Modeled by Mylissa

Chain mail
By Katrina
Modeled by Katrina
(thousands of tiny silver hand made links)

Reduce
By Paper People Clothing
Modeled by Lola

Reuse
By Paper People Clothing
Modeled by Katrina

Saving Second Base
By Heather
Modeled by Mylissa

Pretty In Pink
By Lisa
Modeled by Sarah C

Moulin Turquoise
By Sarah C
Modeled By Sarah C

Hot Tamales!
By Lola
Modeled by Lola

Chain Mail
By Droo
Modeled by Sparx

Bring May Flowers
By Arlen
Modeled by Lindsay

The Grand Finale! DECIBELLA!
Queen of Mardi Bras!

Get those Mammies Grammed!

2008-07-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Three more people who deserve very special mention in making Mardi-Bras so successful, are Ted, Nelson and Heather.

Ted and Nelson were our MCs for the evening and kept everything running smoothly and in good humour. This isn't an easy thing to do when your topic for the evening is breast cancer. But, as I've said before, these are two of the funniest guys I know, they work off each other very well and are exceptionally good at thinking on their feet. As they said themselves, "the perfect hosts for an event like this would have to be a pair of boobs, and like any good pair, they look the same, but one's slightly larger." They did a great job.

Nelson & Ted

My good friend Heather gave a beautiful speech on breast cancer survivorship and the importance of the work we're helping to fund at Princess Margaret Hospital. She was only 26 years old when she was diagnosed and underwent treatment. Thankfully, she's come through it like a champ, is almost 5 years cancer free and has since, welcomed a beautiful baby boy to the family! (She's amazing.)
Since early detection is the most important element in cancer survivorship, Heather gave us a demonstration of the proper way to do your monthly breast exam, with the aid of Nelson and Ted, her lovely assistants.

Follow this pattern.

Using two fingers, follow the pattern across
your chest in small circular motion.

This doesn't have to be a chore,
get your partner to help out!

Nice, slow circles once a month!

The Mermaid Mardi Bra

2008-06-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Beverly Maguire of B Maguire Productions, produced this beautiful sculpt, called the Mermaid's Mardi Bra for our runway show, but due to its size it never made it down the catwalk. It was a very successful addition to our silent auction however and is now a treasured addition to the Elston of Wingham collection.

Beverly is an editor for film, television and music videos, she also teaches industry software and handles production IT. Her degree is in design and sculpture from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland. Originally from Kerry, Ireland, she has made her home and career for the last 6 years in Ontario. In addition to her work for Mardi Bras, Beverly was a member of Team Henna For Hope at the Relay For Life, Oakville.

The Mermaid's Bra in production!

Along with this awesome piece of work, Beverly (as always) was a fabulous addition to the party and a tremendous support to Mammy Grams Girls. (Her sweetie, Brett won the Guitar Hero 3 in the raffle!)

Thanks so much Bev!

Team Cola!

2008-06-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

We're still waiting on the finished photos from Simon, (the photographer). My photos won't have anything on his, but I have a few worth showing and there's still lots to talk about in the meantime.

I'm going to start with Lola and Colin, who were essentially the hosts of Mardi-Bras.

Although Lola won't be walking with us this September, she has certainly earned her place as one of the Mammy Grams Girls! She made all of the arrangements with Pizza Rustica, created the "Hot Tamales" bra for the show AND modeled it, (and several others)! She's beautiful, she's spirited, she's loads of fun and what I like to think of as the personification of passion! She belly dances, spins fire, supervises animation on award winning shows and has her own business on the side as a glass blower! (given the opportunity, she can really spin those tassels!) She was a never ending source of positive energy and Mardi-Bras just wouldn't have come together as well as it did without her!

Lola modeling "Abadaba Honeymoon"

Colin, who unfortunately was taken out of town on business the night of the show, was also an enormous support to Mammy Grams Girls. As well as letting us take advantage of his building's facilities, he sold a pile of raffle tickets to benefit the cause and put together this excellent slide show of photos from the 2007 walk and some of our sponsors logos to play on the TVs in the ballroom, during the party! When he's not supporting breasts, Colin is a documentary producer with Chopper pictures. He's a very well rounded creative-type, fun, intelligent and always exceptionally charming. (he's darn cute too!)

Thank you so much Lola and Colin!

The Big Number!

2008-06-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the receipts are all in, the tickets tallied...

And here it is,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

With your generous support, to the Toronto Weekend To End Breast Cancer, benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital and the Campbell Family Institute, Mardi-Bras 2008 has contributed...(da, dada dada da DAAAAAAA!!!!!)

WOOO HOOOO!!!

I don't know how many different kinds of awesome there are in the world but this pretty much covers all of them!!

On behalf of all of Mammy Grams Girls, thanks so much again to everyone who made this possible. In all ways big and small, as Dr. TakMak likes to say; "You have chosen to light a candle rather than curse the darkness", and we are so grateful.

More to come!

xoxo

A Success!!

2008-06-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

WOW!
What a night!
I don't even know where to begin...
Mardi Bras was GREAT! Fantastic! An all around good time...Better than CATS!

We're still adding up some of the receipts, but the prelim total is already more than we expected.

Everyone involved with this worked so incredibly hard. The artists were brilliant, the sponsors gave awesome prizes, the models were GORGEOUS, the MC's were on the ball and so funny, the DJ set the tone perfectly, the bartenders, the caterer, and I'm including everyone who bought raffle tickets, dressed up came all the way downtown to be part of our audience in this equation too. It was SO much FUN!

I think the thing that amazed me the most was the outpouring of generosity, not just from friends and family, but from complete strangers who came forward and just said "hey, what can I do?" Until last night, I'd never met most of our models, some of our artists and a good chunk of our guests. And I have to say it was a pleasure getting to know everyone of you! I love meeting new people and I've had the luck of finding all of the best ones! :)

I'm going to keep updating the blog as we get more photos. We had a wonderful photographer volunteer, named Simon Baker, and I can't wait to see what he took from the event.

One of the things I do have photos of at the moment is the CAKE!! Candace Gomes of Cakes By Candace created and donated this GORGEOUS bustier cake that the King and Queen of Mardi Bras got to cut at midnight! The only thing that made it worth cutting into this piece of culinary ART was how delicious the rich chocolate cake inside turned out to be!

WOW!
Thank you so much Cakes By Candace!!

There are SO many people I need to thank properly in this blog, and as I get the photos sorted out I certainly will. So check back often, and in the meantime, Thanks so much to everyone!
It was a great night and certainly one to do again!

The Big Day!

2008-06-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the night!
We're going to have a great time with a lot of great people and there's still plenty of room, so if you haven't bought your ticket yet, come on down, we'll set you up at the door!

We're in the Ballroom of the Icon Condo Building - 250 Wellington St W, Toronto.

Just look for the flag poles with the big sculpted ribbons on them out front and you're there!

Dress De-Code

2008-06-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

We've had a number of questions regarding the call for formal dress for the evening.

We chose "formal" because it's fun and it lends an air of elegance to the party.

We are certainly not going to turn anyone away for being under or over dressed. What is most important here, is to keep in mind that Mardi Bras is all about doing something aggressive to fight cancer! It helps that we're having enormous fun while doing it, but wear whatever you feel you can best fight the good fight in! Nobody is expecting you to go rent a tux or buy a new ball gown, by all means, do it if you're feeling snazzy. Heck, come in your Bat-Man costume if you like, just so long as you show up! (I bet Bat-Man would fight cancer if he wasn't already busy fighting crime.)

Remember, the important thing is that you come to the party, help us raise the bucks they need for Princess Margaret Hospital, and have enormous fun!

Pat's Party Rental

2008-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

A big thank you is in order to the good folks over at Pat's Party Renal of Oakville. They have generously discounted the rental cost of the stage, table and chairs we need for the show!

I have rented with them a few times in the past, they're always a pleasure to deal with and have a substantial catalogue to meet all of your party equipment needs. Dishes, tables, chairs, linens - no problem, would you like a 7' inflatable palm tree to go with that? Check out their website for more information.

Thanks so much Pat's Party Rental of Oakville!

Bublichka Originals by Patte Rosebank

2008-05-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

We got a package from the First Lady of Awesometown, Patte Rosebank last night.

Patte is an actress, singer, voice talent and costume designer, specializing in, pretty much anything you can imagine. Her biggest influence is Bob Mackie whose costumes she saw on The Carol Burnette Show every week since she was little and as a result, has a pathological passion for rhinestones, sequins and feathers, so it's no surprise she's now making costumes primarily for burlesque performers and drag queens! Patte has also worked in television and has credit for a very special coat worn by Luba Goy of the Royal Canadian Air Farce.

Patte's latest and greatest achievement is a brand new, magnificent ensemble, covered in 40,000 Swarovski crystal rhinestones and 36 feet of heavy ostrich feather boa, for Miss Mitzy Cream to wear in her new number at the Toronto Burlesque Festival! (July 11-13 at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto)

For Mardi Bras, Patte has designed and created this completely new and original pair of pink ribbon rhinestone pasties for our silent auction! (c'mon, secretly we've all wanted to try doing the twirl) Her very generous gift includes bottles of spirit gum, spirit gum remover, and a DVD of twirl instructions, so the lucky winner of these little beauties will be able to stick them on, twirl them, and then remove them again!!

You can't really tell from the photo, but when the light hits them, they sparkle like crazy! And the nude background fabric underneath those rhinestones make the pasties blend into the wearer's skin.

Thank you so much Patte Rosebank!

Up for a little celestial destiny?

2008-05-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

In addition to all the fabulous-ness we have planned for Mardi-Bras that I've already mentioned, we have a Tarot card reader, Leanne Forsythe contributing her insight.

Since childhood, Leanne has felt a special calling to the imaginative power of archetype, and has devoted much time and study in her adult life to further understand the mysteries of our universal story. She considers the time she spends reading the cards as a spiritual practice, intended to shine a light on situations in our lives that can confound us if we do not recognize the richness and complexities that surround our circumstances.

For those who understand the cards, the Tarot tells the story of how feelings, intellect, our personal world and our external environment are working together to weave a picture of how the past, present and future are at work in the present moment.

She hopes that the cards will reveal your personal connection to this universal practice, and that you will receive the illumination and wisdom you need to face the obstacles and challenges that life gives to all of us.

Please spend some time with Leanne and the Tarot to help us beat breast cancer at Mardi Bras!

Beach Combing! - Mardi Bra #5

2008-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Our east coast contribution to Mardi Bras has arrived from Sarah O'Malley of Halifax!

Sarah is originally from Thunder Bay Ontario, and would very modestly tell you that she worked "in film in Toronto", but her rather impressive art department credits include big names like the X-Men Movie along with a multitude of popular television credits! (You can't fool us Sarah, we know you're brilliant, and an impressive little bowler, actually.)

Without revealing too much about Sarah's Mardi-Bra and spoiling the surprise, we can tell you that her chosen theme is very indicative of her love of her home on the east coast and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a charming piece of work and we're very greatful to have Sarah in on fight against Breast Cancer!

Thank you so much Sarah of Halifax!

Taste - The 4th Sense!

2008-05-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

We have a new name to add to our list of very generous sponsors! Taste - The 4th Sense of St. Jacobs has given us a gift certificate to add to our silent auction!

These guys carry the best infused oils, hot sauces, mustard...anything delicious really. I love going into their stores, they have several in Ontario. They let you try everything before you choose, which is good and bad. Good, because I get exactly what I want every time and discover things I never would have though of on my own. Bad because I can't leave there without two big bags full of wonderful stuff when I was only coming in for mustard! (not so bad really, either way I win!)

Check out the recipes section on their website. They even have a subscription list so you can get their amazing recipes right to your inbox!

Thanks so much Taste - The 4th Sense and the Salivation Corporation!

Sci Feye Candy - Mardi Bra #4!

2008-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Sarah Cresswell of Sci Feye Candy has just emailed me the photos of her Mardi-Bra and it's BEAUTIFUL!! Not to drop a spoiler, but probably the most elegant of the Mardi-Bras so far! She's also including a beautifully beaded, matching choker and garter belt to the ensemble. (tres sexy!)

Based in Scarborough, Sarah works on a custom order basis and from the looks of her website, she can make just about anything you can imagine! Personally, I'm liking the leg-holster-bags in the accessories gallery. Sarah started Sci Feye Candy after graduating from the Fashion Techniques and Design program at George Brown College. In addition to getting Sci Feye Candy up and running, Sarah currently works part-time at Plastik Wrap in Toronto.

Thank you so much Sarah and Sci Feye Candy!

Dee Dee Bird - Mardi Bra #3!

2008-05-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Deanna Partridge-David of Dee Dee Bird Art & Illustration emailed this weekend with the photos of her beautifully crafted contribution to the Mardi-Bras runway show! I would love to tell you all more than that because this is one truly unique and surprisingly functional piece, but I'm keeping the big reveal for the show so you'll just have to come see it!

In the meantime, I can tell you a little bit more about Deanna and Dee Dee Bird!

Deanna is a graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design in Vancouver, with a BFA in Animation. She worked as an animator, and puppet fabricator for several years and her credits include the Gemini Award winning "Poko". She is presently on an animation hiatus since she and her husband Graeme had a son named Max. Max is now 2 years old, they live in Coquitlam, BC, where she runs her home-based business creating original art and illustration for children... Well, actually her bio says she creates art for children, but Deanna's work has so much personality, humour and charm, it's enjoyable by everybody. Personally, my favourite piece in her gallery is "Awesome Bunny Photobooth 3", (see below) but it was tough to choose.

On a more personal note, Max’s great-aunt Ruth is a breast cancer survivor, and Deanna's contribution to Mardi-Bras was made, very lovingly, in her honour.

Thank you, so much Deanna and Dee Dee Bird!

Cherrylicious! - Mardi Bra #2!!

2008-05-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

I received a fantastic email from Lisa Farinaccio of Cherrylicious Designs today, she has completed her Mardi-Bra for our fabulous, glamorous, one-of-a-kind show!! This makes Mardi Bra #2 runway-ready!

(It's all terribly exciting isn't it?)

Lisa Farinaccio owns and operates her own company, "Cherrylicious Designs". She specializes in One of a Kind purses, clothing and custom orders. Her formal training includes a diploma in Fashion Design from George Brown College and private coursework in Costume Design. She went on to making mascots, costumes for Stage West Dinner Theater and is now a proud member of the illustrious Mervish Productions Wardrobe Department!

Lisa is also one of our very gracious silent auction sponsors and included some pictures of the hand bags she's made for us! The over-sized purse is made with hot pink cotton and pink ribbon patterned lining. The tote is made from denim, also with pink ribbon patterned lining and a hot pink ribbon applique on the front of the bag.

I love that lining. Too cute!

Thank you so much Lisa and Cherrylicious Designs

Shuffle up to Mardi-Bras!

2008-05-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

More big news on Mardi-Bras!

A good friend of mine, who prefers to remain anonymous and be referred to simply as "The Queen Of the Universe", has donated a brand new iPod Shuffle to the Mardi-Bras Grand Prize Raffle!!

Everyone who comes to Mardi-Bras will receive a complementary Grand Prize Raffle Ticket, if you can't make it to the party but still want a shot at our fabulous prizes, tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20.

Email Julie, (jrfaulkner10@gmail.com) Carolyn, (carolyn.elston@gmail.com) or comment to the blog and we will set you up!

Mardi-Bras Raffle Prizes:

An evening of cultural enlightenment including Tickets to a 2008 performance of the Tapestry Opera Company

A brand-new, never been opened copy of Guitar Hero 3 for Wii

A super cute, super mini IPOD SHUFFLE!

All Dressed!

2008-04-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Our latest contribution to the Mardi Bras silent auction arrived this weekend from Arlen of All Dressed couture!

It's a gorgeous scarf , hand made, using a silk blend velvet lined with 100% silk charmeuse and chiffon. She does the burn out pattern herself by hand and as always, her work is absolutely flawless.

All Dressed is Arlen's own label. She is an accomplished couture with an education in historical costume and can handle any kind of special request. Arlen has created everything from original costumes for bands, film, television, tiny puppets, enormous mascots and replicas for those of us with a taste for authentic Halloween costumes. She also handles custom fit corsetry, bridal and evening wear.

Arlen is one of our very talented bra-artisans and I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Thank you so much Arlen of All Dressed!

Body Blitz!

2008-04-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

We have a fabulous new sponsor to add to Mardi Bras!

Body Blitz Water Spa has generously contributed a gift certificate to a day in their therapeutic waters!

Health by water" is the very well chosen theme for this magnificent treatment center. Putting a modern twist on ancient restorative water practices, Body Blitz features a warm dead sea salts pool, cold plunge pool, hot green tea pool, steam & infrared sauna, body scrubs, body bakes, and 3 different kinds of massage!

They have the most delightful staff, organic juice bar and a to-die-for product line that is free of dyes, animal by-products, contain no artificial fragrance, are not tested on animals and are 100% Canadian made! (I couldn't leave without the mint-lime body lotion.)

It's a relaxing, warm and wonderful, but also very healthful. Each treatment is designed to aid in de-toxing and enriching the body as part of a healthy lifestyle.

"By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, you can help protect yourself from disease and infection and renew your ability to maintain optimum health. While detoxification and replenishing are a great starting point, it is just part of the process of helping our bodies maintain good health. It is important to eat well, exercise on a regular basis, drink plenty of fluids, rest, laugh and of course enjoy life.
relax ~ detoxify ~ replenish ~ live well"

Thank you so much Body Blitz!

Keeping Clean!

2008-04-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

We received another terrific contribution to the Mardi Bras silent auction today!

Rebecca Young of Enjo Canada, who was also a major supporter of our efforts last year, has donated an Enjo Bathroom Set!

For anyone unfamiliar with Enjo, they've created a micro-fibre, chemical-free, cleaning system that is really fantastic. No more harmful chemicals in the house or flushed into the water tables, a much safer and healthier way to care for your home and family.

I've been using them exclusively for almost a year now and really prefer them. They do a great job and once you get used to it, you'll never go back to smelly, expensive cleaners.
Check out Enjo at the website or drop Rebecca an email (ryoung@enjo-canada.com ) and set up an Enjo demonstration!

Thanks so much Rebecca and Enjo!

Pizza and Udon - Do those go together?

2008-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Pizza Rustica on Wellington St in Toronto, has very generously offered to sponsor our food for the Mardi Bras Party!

Voted Best Pizza In Toronto and regularly visited by celebrities, Pizza Rustica is an altogether unique and wonderful trattoria. (seriously, if you haven't been there yet, stop whatever you're doing and go right now.) Their menu includes the most delicious salads, I had the Fragola salad last time I was there, with the Mediterranean pizza. (Yum!) Their staff are delightful, the decor is charming and the prices are really reasonable.

Thank you so much Pizza Rustica!

We received some really fun stuff from Udon Entertainment this week, for door prizes and to add to the silent auction. Comics, prints, a really nice, hard cover edition of Street Fighter - Eternal Challenge, but I think my favourite prize in the box is a set of the annual company sketchbooks! These are great little booklets full of original artwork by the amazing talent of Udon Entertainment. You can check out their work on the Udon home page or on deviant art.

Udon is a Toronto based creative services company that handles some surprisingly big titles. Perhaps most known for their work with Capcom on the Street Fighter series, they've also been involved with DC and Marvel comics, Alliance Atlantis, Hasbro, Atari and Nintendo, just to name a few.

Thanks so much Udon!

These wonderful little guys came to us from Banjo Puppets! Banjo Puppets is another up-and -coming Toronto based business specializing in fabulous hand-crafted puppets that have been featured on television, in music videos, live stage and festivals.

Thanks so much Banjo Puppets!

The First Mardi Bra!!

2008-03-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

We received the first TWO artisan bras for the Mardi Bras fashion show today along with a really cool contribution to the silent auction by Jennifer of the Paper People Clothing co!
We're not going to post photos of the Mardi-Bras she made, we're going to keep those top secret for all you wonderful people who attend the show to see for the very first time on our glamorous models!

We will tell you a bit now about the sweet nickers Jennifer made for the auction! Jennifer is a very gifted, up-and-coming, Toronto designer, who hand-made these super-soft and stretchy panties. (they look really comfy and darn cute!) The really cool part is that she hand made each and every sequin from recycled pop cans! Score one for the planet!

To check out more of Jennifer's work visit the Paper People Clothing co. online or check out one of the retailers carrying Paper People couture!

Hand made every single sequin from pop cans!!

I'm not a photographer, so my photos really don't do these justice, but you can check out similar sets that Jennifer made for The Toronto Wildlife: Sustainability Fashion Show (here)

Thanks Jennifer! Awesome work!

Admission and Grand Prize Raffle!!

2008-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Mardi Bras tickets are now available!!

Admission tickets are $20 and include the Artisan Bra Show, and reception plus a ticket to our GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE!

Raffle Tickets can also be purchased separately - $10 each or 3 for $20

You could be the lucky winner of :

An evening of cultural enlightenment including Tickets to a 2008 performance of the Tapestry Opera Company

A brand-new, never been opened copy of Guitar Hero 3 for Wii

We do have more prizes to confirm, and they will be announced here, so check in often and send your friends!

All proceeds from Mardi Bras and the Raffle benefit The Princess Margaret Hospital Weekend to End Breast Cancer 2008!

To purchase tickets to Mardi Bras and the Raffle, or to make a donation for a tax receipt, please comment to this blog or contact Julie (jrfaulkner10@gmail.com) or Carolyn (carolyn.elston@gmail.com).

Getting Sorted Out

2008-02-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, anyone who's not new to our lists will already know, we hit a wee snag with the initial planning, but we're back on track for the party! So make sure to correct all of your calendars:

Mardi Bras is officially on,

Saturday June the 7th, 2008

7pm-1am

Bra show starts at 8:30

250 Wellington St W

Toronto

Tickets are $20 - Buy in advance or at the door!

Dress is Formal

All are welcome! This is a benefit so please, spread the word! We have a ton of fun things planned. There will be music, raffles, snacks, a cash bar, silent auction, door prizes and for the main event, (da da-daaa!!!) At 8:30 our glamorous models will take to the runway in a dazzling fashion show of the most unique and original bras created by elite artisans from all over Canada! These fabulous creations will added to the silent auction so you'll have an opportunity to take home an original, hand crafted piece of artwork to add to your collections!

All proceeds from Mardi Bras go to the Toronto Weekend To End Breast Cancer, benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital and The Campbell Family Institute.

If you'd like to become one of our artisans or models, please drop me a line, jrfaulkner10@gmail.com or comment to this blog and we'll get back to you with the specs. All of your work is welcome and appreciated.

If you have a product you like to donate to our silent auction or door prizes, please contact Carolyn, carolyn.elston@gmail.com or comment to this blog and we'll get back to you. We can't provide tax receipts for gifts, but we can provide proper participant letters for you to use at tax time and we'd be delighted to add you to our links and credited list of sponsors (see blog sidebar for current generous sponsors!) All gifts are welcome and appreciated!

If you'd just like to come to the party for a good time, you will not be disappointed!

If you're not up for a party, please consider making a donation to the walk. With your generous support the WEBC raised a record 17.3 million dollars last year, providing research, support services and a path to an eventual cure. Pledges can be made at the secure online sights:

Julie - Here

Carolyn - Here

Sandy - Here

(The links are also on the sidebar)

If you're not comfortable pledging online, but would like to help, please comment to the blog or email us and we'll make arrangements for post or pick up.

Thanks to everyone who is already donating your time, artwork, gifts and pledges! I sincerely believe we can see a cure for cancer in our lifetime, and by taking part in this very worthwhile event, we're all becoming a part of a much needed solution!

It's ON!

2008-02-26T20:34:00.000-08:00