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TICKLED PINK – Taylor Scarborough, 3, shows off her outfit from Sunshine Square during Wednesday’s Dazzle Me Pink fashion show. Also pictured is Laurie Washburn, owner of Sunshine Square, holding Taylor’s sister, Tatum Scarborough, 7 months old. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
Wise Health Foundation’s Dazzle Me Pink fashion show and luncheon raised more than $62,000 for Wise Health System’s Women’s Health Services and Mary’s Gift.
Mary’s Gift, which was founded 11 years ago, provides free mammograms for those who can’t otherwise afford them.
Guests at the sold-out event packed the Decatur Conference Center Wednesday, and 10 local boutiques were represented on the runway.
Foundation Director Linda Johnson said it was an exciting day, and they had to add extra tables this year to accommodate guests.
“It’s amazing to see all of our volunteers that came and helped,” she said, tearing up.
She was especially touched by the presence of Mary’s Gift recipients Lisa Orr and Jamie Vaughn.
“The gratitude those two women share for Mary’s Gift makes my job rewarding,” she said. “The peace this program gives those women who can’t afford or are afraid of the cost of a mammogram is remarkable. I’m grateful as the foundation director for what the community does for this program.”
Orr pre-recorded a video that was played at the luncheon to share her story, while emcees Decatur business owner Marianne Henderson and WFAA personality Colleen Coyle took to the stage to encourage bidders and commentate the fashion show.
Johnson told the crowd Wednesday that one of the organization’s goals is to acquire a Hologic Genius 3-D Mammography machine.
“The foundation identified it as something to put into service as quickly as possible,” she said. “It reduces by 40 percent the number of [patient] call backs.”
Johnson explained that this mammography machine provides a set of 3-D images, showing breast tissue in thin layers. The 3-D imaging helps reduce shadows, which allows medical professionals to see all sides of the tissue and more quickly make a diagnosis.
Johnson said the machine costs $245,000.
This year’s $62,792 total was down slightly from last year’s record-breaking $66,137.
A live auction featuring six designer handbags raised about $3,600 with the remaining funds collected through individual donations and raffle ticket sales.
Anna Coker brings some sass to the runway. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
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