Day of events raises millions to fight cancer

Two fund-raisers to support cancer sufferers have made almost 4.5 million won in one day.

First, a Cancer Sucks event at White Box Theatre in Seoul on Saturday afternoon raised almost 2 million won for the Korean Cancer Society.

Participants paid 10,000 won each to dress up and dance to record a music video.

“Overall, it was a fabulous event,” said organizer Mitzi Kaufman. “A huge thank you is due to all the donors, volunteers, and participants.”

Kim Seon-mi of the Korean Cancer society said: “The total of raised money from last Saturday was 1,968,200 won.

“We highly appreciate (the) effort and we will be using this fund for the cancer patients and cancer prevention project.”

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, cancer has been the most prevalent form of death in Korea since 1983.

Later on Saturday, the Bras for a Cause event at Dillinger’s Bar in Itaewon, saw 18 bras modeled and auctioned off to benefit the Korean Breast Cancer Society from 9 p.m. The event raised almost 2.5 million won.

The organizers have donated the proceeds for the organization’s work to support breast cancer sufferers here, provide screenings to catch the disease in its early stages and research for treatments and a cure.

Abigail Flores, who organized the event that also featured belly dancers, comedians and burlesque dancers the White Lies, said: “We are pleased that so many people came out for this event to help raise money for the Korea Breast Cancer Foundation.

“I think a lot of foreigners want to do more in the community but don’t know where to start. Bras for a Cause opened up a lot of volunteer opportunities and got people excited to be a part of it.”

She said the event brought a wide range of people together from performers to volunteers and breast cancer sufferers.

“We had an awesome team working to make Bras for a Cause a successful event … We plan to organize a lot more events like this in the future.”

Anyone wishing to help with the next charity event can email Abigail Flores msthanx4nothin@gmail.com.