12:35 p.m. Bras for a Cause to be featured during Think Pink fund-raiser

Using sequins, stickers and feathers, the Upstairs Boutique has found a unique way to “support” October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is the first year for “Bras for a Cause,” a bra-decorating competition that raises funds for breast-cancer treatment in the Four-State Area. The bras are created to honor survivors of breast cancer and those who lost the battle.

Deb Allison, Upstairs Boutique sales and marketing manager, said the unusual competition has attracted a lot of attention, and she expects to have up to 100 bras decorated by local businesses and individuals to display during the fourth annual Think Pink event from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Upstairs Boutique, 502 South Main St.

“When you’re passionate about something, it doesn’t seem like work,” Allison said of the fund-raiser. “I like to call it a FUN-raiser, because it’s really just fun.”

All bras must be submitted to Upstairs Boutique by 4 p.m. Saturday. The $5 entry fee for each bra submitted will go to the local H.O.P.E. 4-You Breast Cancer Foundation.

The bras will be on display in Upstairs Boutique for the month of October. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place entries. The top 15 bra entries will be part of a traveling exhibit on that will hang in several businesses in town through next year. Allison said she is still looking for a few more businesses interested in showcasing the display for one month next year.

The decorated bras are only one part of the annual Think Pink fund-raiser.