It’s a night of networking and giving back unlike any other — and yes, wearing a wedding dress is fully appropriate and part of the fun.
by Sharon Smith
When Leslie Ligon first heard about My Breast Friend’s Wedding, she wasn’t so sure the organizers really meant for people to drag out an old wedding or bridesmaid dress.
Now she knows.
They mean it, and she looks forward to dressing up again this year. “You’re having a fun night. You’re walking all around talking to people and looking at these dresses — and you’re doing good,” Ligon says, describing why it’s a can’t-miss event in her book.
The fundraiser was created three years ago to benefit Go Jen Go, a nonprofit which supports local women facing breast cancer. Executive Director Susan Evren says the organization has seen a surge in applications this year, and MBFW is its signature fundraiser to pay for programs and grants.
Some patients use grant money to cover utilities as medical expenses soar. Or it helps buy groceries as mom misses work. Another parent may put it toward Christmas gifts, as cancer-related expenses tighten the family budget.
Every breast cancer story is different. So is every wedding. Especially this one.
There are all the trappings of a typical wedding: cake, favors, a bouquet toss. But the celebration at My Breast Friend’s Wedding is centered around every woman in the room. She may come as a supportive friend (bridesmaid dresses encouraged), as a loved one, as a breast cancer survivor or thriver. Single or married, it doesn’t matter.
Right: Executive director Susan Evren and emcee Molly Grantham
The wedding theme provides an easy opening for conversation, which makes the networking natural and memorable. Event chair Shawna Dye Culik, who is also COO of The Go Jen Go Foundation, says the idea was born out of wanting to do something different.
“I do a ton of business networking, and they’re all kind of the same, right?” Dye Culik says with a nod. “We wanted to create something that women would have fun with … and create some magic with it.” Whether a woman wears an old wedding dress, dons a designer gown or makes a quick grab at Goodwill, Dye Culik says the night embraces and empowers everyone there while aligning with their mission to support breast cancer patients.
The name is also a fun take on the beloved ’90s rom-com starring Julia Roberts, My Best Friend’s Wedding.
“We want to be friends to the women who are battling breast cancer, because they need as many friends as they can get,” Evren says. This year, she has a 37-year-old friend who will be there “bald and beautiful.” She even scheduled surgery after the event, so she wouldn’t miss it.
“She’s like, ‘I don’t know if a wedding is in my future,’” Evren shares and pauses, as we soak in the meaning of her words.
“So we throw a wedding for women, for all of that.” It’s the highlight of the night. “They’re up there on the stage in their wedding dresses, looking gorgeous, and they’re telling their story about their journey. I think that part of it is just so wonderful.”
As for Leslie Ligon, there’s nothing better than being among the crowd of 250 women toasting their breast friend’s wedding.
“There are tough emotions mixed in. We don’t want to forget that, but we are there to lift each other up and have a fun night.” SP
Want to go? My Breast Friend’s Wedding is Oct. 23 at Hyatt Centric SouthPark. Tickets are $50, plus there’s a range of sponsorship opportunities. Learn more at mybreastfriendswedding.com. SouthPark Magazine is a media sponsor of My Breast Friend’s Wedding
