SALINAS, CA, February 12, 2018- The American Cancer Society’s annual Celebration of Life Fashion Show takes place Wednesday March 14th, 2018. All of the people modeling are local cancer survivors willing to share their cancer journey to inspire others and create awareness in the community. The 24th annual Celebration of Life Fashion Show ‘Under The Big Top’ includes a silent auction, raffle and luncheon.
This year, local philanthropist and community leader Nancy Ausonio is being honored for her long-standing, and unwavering dedication to fighting cancer. A permanent reminder of Ausonio’s impact in our community is the remarkable facility Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System built with her financial support and named in her honor. The Nancy Ausonio Mammography Center opened its doors to the community in 2010 combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care worthy of its namesake.
“Throughout my life I have served my community and hope that I have inspired people to do the same,” says Nancy Ausonio. “A great way to help your community or an organization like Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation or the American Cancer Society is to volunteer or donate- we can all make a difference.”
Every person modeling in the Celebration of Life Fashion Show is a cancer survivor like Salinas resident Araceli Bernardasci, who five years ago at the age of 43 was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis. She says she is an optimist and wants others going through a difficult moment to be optimistic as well.
“I may not have control over abnormally dividing cancer cells in my body, but I do have control over my attitude and over what I believe in,” says Araceli Bernardasci. “I love living and I choose to live and overcome with God, grace, grit, gratitude and lots of good attitude. I look forward to participating and uplifting people at the Celebration of Life Fashion Show.”
Former KION 46 and FOX 35 Meteorologist Norm Hoffman is the emcee of the Celebration of Life Fashion Show Under The Big Top. The guest speaker is Carol Lacey, a six year recurrent cervical cancer survivor. “It is an honor to be the keynote speaker for this year’s fashion show,” says Lacey. “Through my volunteerism with the American Cancer Society I am able to share my story of hope and bring awareness to the fight that people living with cancer face.”
Cancer strikes one out of every three Californians’ in their lifetime, which is why the American Cancer Society is committed to fighting cancer. Nearly 14.5 million cancer survivors in America will celebrate a birthday this year, in part due to the efforts of the American Cancer Society. Community support provides funding and research, education, advocacy and patient services. To date, the gala event has raised more than one million dollars for the American Cancer Society.
Sponsorships are still needed, the deadline for sponsorship is March 5th. Many local businesses are long time sponsors and generous donors to the American Cancer Society’s Celebration of Life Fashion Show including Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Taylor Farms, Rabobank, RC Farms, Sammut Brothers, Church Brothers Farms, Pinnacle Bank and Salinas Valley Plastic Surgery Associates. The models will be modeling the latest fashion from the following stores: Chartreuse, Debra C., J. Jill, J. McLaughlin, Sylvie Unique Boutique, and Khaki’s of Carmel.
The 24th annual Celebration of Life fashion show takes place Wednesday, March 14 at the Monterey Hyatt Regency in Monterey. Doors open at 10:30 am for the silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.acscelebration.org.
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