Local Bling Benefits Breast Cancer Research

Tracy Sanders, Niki Levine, Courtney Schenberg, Suzanne Patterson-Reed, and Hilari Ayres at the 2009 Fall Fashion Affair at Moyer Fine Jewelers in Carmel.

One of the most obvious destinations for major holiday shopping is your local jewelry store. After all, loved ones deserve some bling, right? But diamonds for breast cancer research? It makes sense to local retailer Dan Moyer, owner of Moyer Fine Jewelers of Carmel, who recently hosted the 2009 Fall Fashion Affair, an annual fashion and jewelry show and benefit. The event was held Oct. 15 at Moyer’s store on US 31 North, with 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds donated to the Indianapolis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“This is a great event that brings women together to celebrate beautiful jewelry, and to honor those who have fought the battle of breast cancer,” explains Moyer.

“Our first event was in 2003, and we started it mainly to demonstrate how to wear jewelry with daily or evening fashions,” explains Moyer. “We wanted to provide a fun and new opportunity to bring customers into the store,” he says.

Nadia Miller, a breast cancer survivor, gave a heartfelt address to the supporters.

The event has evolved into an anticipated once-a-year party. This year, invited guests were able to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Kona Grill, while chatting with designer representatives and store associates. The fashion show was emceed by local Q95 radio personality Laura Steele, and featured sixteen models, many of whom have had personal experiences with breast cancer. Models’ hair and makeup were styled by the David & Mary salon and spa, and they donned a wide array of jewelry styles and price ranges.

The highlight of the evening was when the final model, Nadia Miller, took the stage. Miller, a breast cancer survivor, delivered a heartfelt address to a captive audience.

“I was twenty-eight years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Miller explained. “I’ve survived six different surgeries, but I now stand before you cancer free.” However, Miller has also mourned the loss of a sister, who died of breast cancer when she was just 37-years-old.

“The face of breast cancer is changing,” explained Miller. “Cancer doesn’t care about your ethnicity, your financial background or where you live. Everyone is affected,” she said.

The benefit, which has come to represent a chance to show off established, as well as up and coming designers, brought in over 150 guests.

“This was a wonderful night,” says Carmel resident Susan Boss. “It was a treat to try on so much fun jewelry in this setting, and for such a great cause. I’m honored to have met such amazing cancer survivors,” she added.

For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit http://www.komen.org.

It was all about the bling and breast cancer research at the 2009 Fall Fashion Affair, held Oct. 15 at Moyer Fine Jewelers in Carmel. All participating models for the fashion show were from the local area, with some being proud breast cancer survivors. Twenty percent of proceeds from the annual event was donated to the Indianapolis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.