October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Do your part and show support with the help of local nonprofits, businesses and individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of women.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Bras for a Cause - October 9

Bras for a Cause

You've probably seen pictures of decorated bras in magazines and around town. What you may not have seen is the emotional connections that these bras mean for the women, men, and children that create these lingerie works of art.

Last year, over 100 bras were decorated and donated by people that have struggled (first-hand or otherwise) with breast cancer, as well as folks who lost someone special to the disease. Local businesses, organizations and community members sponsored bras in the name of all women with breast cancer. These touching acts cumulate into the Bras for a Cause event.

Held at the SCV Activities Center (in Center Pointe in Saugus), Bras for a Cause incorporates a lingerie art show, a breast-cancer-survivor photograph exhibit, a silent auction (decorated bras can be purchased), a boutique, and more. For the $45 ticket price, guests enjoy martinis donated by Salt Creek Grille and appetizers courtesy of RSVP Catering.

Billed as the ultimate girlfriend event, men and teens also seemed to enjoy themselves last year. With a mixture of tears and laughter, Bras for a Cause epitomizes the celebration of life.

Decorated, sponsored bras are still needed for the show. Register your donation at www.BrasForACause.com, e-mail tedwards@insidescv.com, or call 257-7494 for more information.

Guests should purchase tickets in advance at Valencia Acura (255-3000), Queen Anne Stitches (Saugus - 286-1248) or Shanelle Hair Salon (Newhall - 259-2696).

Brighton Bracelet at Cobblestone Cottage

while supplies last

In 2005, Cobblestone Cottage, located in the Target Shopping Center, donated $2,400 to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center in the month of October. This year, the gift-boutique staple hopes to donate at least $3,000 from the sale of Brighton's "Power of Pink" bracelet.

The uniquely-Brighton piece features a watch-face charm this time around, and will please both Brighton addicts and women new to the brand.

For more information, contact Cobblestone Cottage at 253-0209.

Heart of Hope

Jenna Wood stayed by her mother's side through her six-year battle with breast, inflammatory, bone and brain cancer until her mom's death on January 26. Unfortunately, mom Sandy passed away before Jenna had the chance to produce the heart shaped pendant with an entwined breast cancer symbol that was to be worn by both mother and daughter. Although Jenna and her husband Charlie miss Sandy tremendously, Heart of Hope carries on Sandy's incredible enthusiasm for life. For more information on Heart of Hope, call 992-9491 or visit the upcoming website, www.myheartofhope.com.

Pink Ribbon Gifts

Local breast cancer survivor Dianne White Crawford donates all the proceeds of her company, Pink Ribbon Gifts, to local breast cancer initiatives. Purchase jewelry, early detection kits, clothing and more at www.pinkribbongifts.com.

Dr. Dell Goodrick with Dolly Parton at her benefit concert for Give Back a Smile.

Domestic Violence Awareness

Give Back a Smile

Dr. Dell Goodrick, an SCV dentist, recently completed a reconstructive case for a local victim of domestic violence. This October, Dell will join the White House and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as KHTS 1220 to raise public awareness about the services (medical, dental, counseling, social services, legal resources, and housing assistance) available to those traumatized by domestic abuse. For further information please visit www.ncadv.org or log on to www.hometownstation.com.

Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita

Women in the SCV aren't immune to domestic violence. Our community boasts a highly-functioning nonprofit center to assist families struggling with domestic violence. Contact the center at 259-8175 for help or to volunteer.