By David Taylor / Managing Editor
Debbie Holmelin can’t stop smiling. The Bras For A Cause board member just smiles and chuckles after watching the craziness and silliness of the male models who perform each year at Crosby’s notorious fundraising event and the rowdy, fun response of the audience. She also has a smile on her face days after the final numbers came in revealing the love of the community for solving the cancer puzzle.
“It wasn’t the record year, but it was definitely up there,” she said after revealing the organization had raised $195,000 during the 14th Annual Bras For A Cause event. Last year’s reported number was $172,000 so it’s a $23,000 spike and welcome news.
The event is known for its unique blend of entertainment and philanthropy, featuring male models donning decorated bras and engaging the audience in lively performances. The crowd’s enthusiasm translated into nearly $6,000 in tips—a record for the event—and a live auction of bras that brought in a staggering $90,000. The silent auction, fueled by donations from local businesses and individuals, set its own record at $13,425, with items ranging from Astros tickets to vacation packages and wine baskets.
Bras For A Cause operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, opening doors for broader support and tax-deductible contributions. The funds raised are distributed to several key organizations: Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital’s Pink Heals Fund and Breast Center, Candlelighters (supporting children and families facing cancer), and Joseph’s Warriors (providing aid to young cancer patients at Texas Children’s and MD Anderson). Additionally, the group reserves funds to assist local individuals directly, offering gift cards for essentials like groceries and utility bills, and even services such as house cleaning for those in need.
One of those happened to be a scheduled speaker at the event, Chelcie Daniels. She wanted desperately to tell her story and offer her thanks to the charity for their help along her journey. Daniels died a week before the event and her funeral was on the same day as the fundraiser. Instead of Daniels, her best friend stood before a hushed crowd as she told Chelcie’s story of resilience and fight. Her family, despite a long day with the funeral and receiving guests, made their way to the Saturday night fundraiser in her memory.
“This is what Chelcie would have wanted and so we couldn’t miss it,” her husband Marcus said.
The crowd drawn to a silence and then reduced to tears as the final dancer, Joel Sanchez, explained his diagnosis as Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He offered his thanks to BFAC for their financial support, particularly after his job laid him off following his diagnosis. He turned to BFAC for help and they responded. So did the Crosby community. Following his announcement, the crowd gave him a roaring standing ovation and ‘rained’ down money on the overwhelmed 62-year-old. Despite his prognosis, he insisted on being there, and it was two of his doctors who came to support him and bought his bra.
Growing Reach
While the event began as a local Crosby affair, its reach has expanded, drawing attendees and sponsors from Dayton, Liberty, Houston, Baytown, and beyond. Most tables are purchased by repeat supporters, but new faces join each year, eager to experience the camaraderie and contribute to the cause. The event’s popularity is evident in its consistent sell-out status, with 50 round tables and 14 cocktail tables filled each year.
Looking Ahead
Planning for next year’s event is already underway, with organizers aiming to continue the tradition of generosity and fun. The Bras For A Cause Facebook page keeps the community updated, highlighting models, sponsors, and the impact of their contributions. As Debbie Holmelin puts it, “Whatever we get is a blessing and we’re going to give it out. We just say, thank you for giving.”
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