Eighth annual disco party to support Kansas State University cancer research April 5
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Guests at the 2018 Polyester Party pause for a photo while enjoying live music from Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, of Kansas City. This year's event will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the K-State Alumni Center. Photo courtesy of J&C Imaging.
MANHATTAN — Dig out your bell-bottoms and platform shoes and disco for a cure at the eighth annual Polyester Party presented by CivicPlus at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, 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. Guests can also enjoy the photo station, heavy hors d'oeuvres and late-night munchies by Five Restaurant and AJ's Pizzeria, and a cash bar with signature drink. Retro attire from the 1960s, '70s and '80s is encouraged, and a cash prize of $100 will be awarded for best costume.
"This is not your typical fundraiser; it's a fun party to beat cancer," said Abby Wempe, owner of Along Came Abby and chair of the Polyester Party planning committee.
The public is invited. Registration is requested by March 29, but late registrations and walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $60 per person or $500 for a reserved, 10-person table and sponsorship recognition. Admission includes two drink tickets per guest. Information and links to photos and online registration are at cancer.k-state.edu/newsevents/polyester.html.
The party was founded by Dave Lewis, Manhattan, the public address announcer for Kansas State University football and men's basketball, program director for KMAN radio, and owner of Dave Lewis Entertainment. Lewis will emcee the party, which celebrates the life of his late wife, Elena, who died of breast cancer in 2006.
Complementing the Polyester Party will be the fourth annual Off the Hook Bra Crawl in downtown Manhattan at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Participants will get to preview the bras decorated for the Off the Hook bra art contest at the Polyester Party and enjoy food and drink specials and games. Tickets for the Off the Hook Bra Crawl are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. They are available at Gaia SalonSpa, 421 Poyntz Ave., 785-539-2622, and online at offthehookbracrawl.ticketleap.com/offthehookbracrawl2019/.
For information about the party or sponsoring a table, contact Abby Wempe at info@alongcameabby.com or 785-218-1832, or the Johnson Cancer Research Center at cancerresearch@k-state.edu or 785-532-6705.
The Polyester Party's major sponsor is CivicPlus, 302 S. Fourth St., Manhattan. Organizers are Lewis; Wempe; Jolene Roberts of Legacy Realty; Bobbi French of G. Thomas Jewelers; Patrick Lee and Seanna Kalivoda of N Zone; Missy Tener of Central Kansas Cancer Center; Caleb Edwards of Five Restaurant; Coleena Woods of Peoples State Bank; Allie Webb of Parkwood Inn & Suites; and Brandi Butler.
The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports Kansas State University faculty and student cancer research and training programs as well as public outreach efforts. Its programs are made possible by private donations.
