Fifth annual disco party, new bra crawl event to support Kansas State University cancer research in April
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
MANHATTAN — Dig out your polyester bell-bottoms and platform shoes and disco for a cure at the fifth annual Pink and Purple Polyester Party, presented by CivicPlus, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the K-State Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Ave. The party benefits Kansas State University's Johnson Cancer Research Center.
Entertainment will include a live performance by Kansas City band Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, as well as the Off the Hook bra art contest between local businesses. The party will also offer a fun photo station and heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and cash bar catered by Bockers II Catering.
The party's founder, Dave Lewis, Manhattan, public address announcer for Kansas State football and men's basketball, program director for KMAN radio and owner of Dave Lewis Entertainment, will emcee the party, which celebrates the life of his late wife, Elena, who died of breast cancer in 2006.
According to Lewis, the party's name conveys its theme; pink represents breast cancer, purple represents Kansas State University and polyester represents the disco era. Partygoers are encouraged to dress in pink, purple or retro. A cash prize of $100 will be awarded for best costume.
The public is invited. Registration is requested by April 15, but late registrations and walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $60 per person or $500 for a reserved table for 10 and sponsorship recognition. Each guest receives two drink tickets. Information and links to photos and online registration are at http://cancer.k-state.edu/newsevents/polyester.html.
Two events have been added this year to enhance the fun and fundraising of the party. The Off the Hook Bra Crawl will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, in downtown Manhattan. The Bust Your Bestie event is happening now through April 29. Both events are sponsored by Gaia Salonspa, 421 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan.
Off the Hook Bra Crawl participants will enjoy specials as they tour participating restaurants to view and advance-vote on the bras decorated by local businesses for the Off the Hook contest at the Pink and Purple Polyester Party. At the party, the bra that has accumulated the most votes, or dollars, wins. Bust Your Bestie participants donate $20 to have a Bust Your Bestie banner placed in front of a friend's house or a business for 24 hours. More information about both events is at bras4cause.ticketleap.com.
Major sponsors of the Pink and Purple Polyester Party include CivicPlus, Central Kansas Cancer Center and Manhattan Broadcasting. More sponsors are welcome and will receive special recognition. For information on sponsoring, contact Thad Schneider at tsschneider@wamego.net or 785-844-1144.
Organizers of the party are Dave Lewis; Schneider, a chiropractor at Flint Hills Pain Management, and his wife, Shannon Schneider, a cancer survivor; John and Cindy La Barge, owners of J&C Imaging; Bobbi French, owner of G. Thomas Jewelers; Patrick Lee, owner of N Zone; Arrica Wallace, a cancer survivor and owner of Cat Cans; Missy Tener; and Brooke Minihan.
The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports Kansas State University faculty and student cancer research and training as well as public outreach. Its programs are made possible by private donations.
