If you see paddle boarders in bras and tutus on July 27—don’t be alarmed.
Here for the Girls, a nonprofit that supports women with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 51, is hosting its first “Beer for the Girls” event on July 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Billsburg Brewery. The event will feature local musicians Billy Joe Daniel and In Layman Terms with food from Food With Attitude. A portion of all the food and beer sales will go to Here for the Girls.
The event, inspired by Sandy Layman, of In Layman Terms, and Lori Erwin, of Paddle On Williamsburg, brings together three local groups to help with the cause, said Vicki Vawter, program and community relations manager for Here for the Girls.
“This disease is just brutal and until there’s a cure, there’s us,” Vawter said. “We will continue to help the women who need support, [and] gain strength from one another…I feel that anytime you bring people together for fun and fellowship, it’s an opportunity to shed more light on the cause, meet new people, and let the community know that we are here –- for the girls.”
Guests to the event can arrive one of three ways: by water, by motorcycle and by foot.
Paddle On of Williamsburg will help guests paddle across the marina to Billsburg decorated in bras and tutus to raise awareness for the cause.
“I’m excit[ed] to participate in Beer For the Girls,” said Donna Matherne, a breast cancer survivor. “I’ve always wanted to learn to paddle-board, but because of my multiple reconstruction surgeries and treatments over the years, I never got the chance. I also want to support Here for the Girls, who has been so important to me and supported me.”
For those wanting to arrive by water, contact Lori Corrigan Erwin of Paddle On of Williamsburg and check-ins will be at 3 p.m. at Powhatan Creek Park and end at the Jamestown Marina. Kayaks and canoes are also welcome.
If a set of wheels is your ride of preference, Vawter said there will also be several motorcycle clubs arriving at 5 p.m. at Billsburg Brewery as well with decorated bras covering the front of their bikes.
For more low-key guests, there is the option to simply show up at Billsburg Brewery and either bring or wear a decorated bra to show support if they would like.
Bras can be decorated with themes, with pink or highlight a group or business.
Admission to the event is by donation of any amount, all of the proceeds will benefit Here for the Girls. From each dollar received, 88 cents will go directly into the organization’s programs which are designed to empower and inspire women through their diagnosis.
“We are all about living life with an exclamation point, not a period,” Vawter said. “What better way than with a great act and an incredible band that are 100 percent donating their time with us, great local brews, gathering together, and of course nothing is more fun than a decorated bra you get to wear or display, right? I am so excited to see what people come up with.”
To learn more about Here for the Girls, visit the organization online.
