Bra auction raises cancer funds

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Carrie Paulson (left), owner of Fast Freddies Bar in New Richmond, presents a check for $1,680 to Bobbie Jo Heinsch, director of the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin. The funds came from a special bra auction held at the local establishment May 12.

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For an inaugural event, Fast Freddie’s bra auction on May 12 was a huge success.

According to Fast Freddie’s owner Carrie Paulson, about 40 people attended the “Save Second Base” evening event that raised money for the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin in New Richmond.

Donors to the auction came up with 38 specially designed bras to be sold to the highest bidder. Designs ranged from a Green Bay Packer bra to flowery bras to some very unique pieces.

T-shirts were also created for the event, and proceeds from the sale of those shirts also went to the Cancer Center.

Paulson said the idea for the event came from a customer, who had attended a similar event in Cumberland.

Paulson said she didn’t know what to expect from the live auction, noting that she was hoping it would raise at least $500. She was more than pleased with the $1,680 total.

The event was such a success, Paulson said she hopes to make it an annual fundraiser.

Bobbie Jo Heinsch, director of the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin, thanked Paulson for the generous donation. She said the money will likely be used to help the center purchase equipment needed in the treatment of breast cancer.

In the center’s first year of operation, Heinsch reported that 56 of new patients were treated for breast cancer.

“We do treat a lot of breast cancer patients,” Heinsch said. “It’s almost a third of all our new patients.”

Tags: new richmond, business