Whether you are a woman who prefers your bra to be adorned with sparkles or prefer it just plain taupe or prefer no bra at all -- it won’t matter on Monday, March 14 when both women and men pack the Crush cocktail lounge at The B.O.B. for the 2nd Annual Bra Auction Gala to support Gilda’s Club and its Grand Rapids’ community programming. “This is a fun, elegant event created to auction unique artist-designed bras to help Gilda’s Club,” says Bra Auction co-founder Kristiane Hubbard. 

Why bras? “Well, bras are something very ‘close’ to women,” laughs Hubbard. “The original idea for the bra auction event came from a similar fundraiser I attended on the other side of the state.  It was a natural fit to bring this idea to Grand Rapids and more important, it makes raising money for Gilda’s Club fun. FUNDraising should be fun.”

The event will feature artist-designed bras that will be sold off in a live auction hosted by Tony Gates. “We have about 36 bras for the live and silent auction,” explains Hubbard. 

All of the bras are one of a kind and many reflect the fun, vibrant spirit Gilda’s gives back to people who participate in their programming.  “From bras that are standing art pieces to designs by a former ArtPrize artist to even crochet and flapper bras -  it is interesting to see how people have weaved the meaning of Gilda’s into their pieces of art.”

The pieces d’art up for live auction will be modeled by students of Douglas J, where they will also be styled for the evening. The students are also donating their time for the cause. “More women helping women, and, of course, men are heartily invited,” laughs Hubbard. 

Event organizers are excited about the growth of the event and expect a hearty turnout at The B.O.B. on Monday, March 14. The event begins at 6pm at the Crush cocktail lounge. “We are very honored to raise money again this year for Gilda’s and of course to be part of LaughFest,” says Hubbard.

Tickets are $32.50 and include a drink ticket and appetizers. Tickets can be purchased at the door of the event and can also be purchased in person at the DeVos Hall and VanAndel Ticket Boxes to avoid a ticket surcharge. Tickets can also be purchased online at the LaughFest Ticketmaster site.