'Wine Women & Shoes' To Raise Money For Breast Cancer Screenings

BRISTOL, Va. - Women who want to support the health and well-being of those who might face a potential breast cancer diagnosis can participate in an event at the Virginian Golf Club that also enables them to enjoy "exclusive fashion and fine wine."

Wellmont Foundation is hosting its third annual Wine Women & Shoes Saturday, April 29, from 2-5 p.m. Proceeds will further expand access to the Wellmont Cancer Institute's breast cancer screening programs.

According to a news release from event organizers, the 2016 Wine Women & Shoes event attracted 170 attendees and raised more than $122,000 for these screenings.

"When women and men have access to lifesaving screenings, we can detect cancers at an earlier stage, giving them a greater chance to win the fight," said Sue Lindenbusch, senior vice president of the cancer institute, in the release. "Wine Women & Shoes aligns perfectly with this goal, and it will provide valuable resources to women who might need them."

Wine Women & Shoes will offer opportunities for exclusive shopping and hours of entertainment. All participants will receive a complimentary photo and a swag bag filled with various promotional items and certificates at the end of the event, the release notes. Wine tasting and heavy appetizers will be available throughout the afternoon.

Attendees can shop at the event's marketplace, which will feature nine vendors offering an assortment of women's clothing and accessories. They can also participate in silent and live auctions.

Participants will be included in The Best in Shoe Awards, which will be split into four categories: stilettos, wedges, flats and boots. The winner of each category will receive a gift certificate for a visit to a spa.

Plus, attendees can take part in the event's raffle drawings. The first is the Wall of Wine, where participants can win a top-dollar bottle of wine. The second is Key to the Closet, where one participant will win the contents of a closet filled with fashion items.

To recognize the brave women in the region who have survived breast cancer, Wine Women & Shoes will hold a fashion show that features some of them as models. Survivors who are participating are Lysa Craig, Sharon Ernest, Pat Faber, Jennifer Holt, Midge Merrill, Miranda Mingle, Trish Reid, Sandra Reimer, Lynda Staton, Connie Tester, Heather Tranbarger, Sky Vandyke and Amy Williams.

Another notable woman attending the event is Donna Ferguson, a two-time breast cancer survivor and cancer institute patient. As keynote speaker, she will share her valiant journey to recovery and provide strength and hope to those who have been diagnosed with the disease, the release says.

A group of volunteers from the community, called Shoe Guys, will assist women with wine pairings and raffle ticket sales throughout the event. These men are competing to receive the most donations, and the one who wins will be crowned King of Sole. A list of the Shoe Guys, with a biography and the opportunity for people to donate to their preferred choice, is available at www.crowdrise.com/WineWomenShoesTRI17.

"Community partnerships have played an important role in helping our patients achieve successful outcomes, and Wine Women & Shoes provides another excellent way to advance our region's health," said Todd Norris, the foundation's president and Wellmont Health System's senior vice president for system advancement, in the release. "We encourage women to attend this terrific event to promote breast health in our region."

Tickets are available for $100 per person and $150 for sole sisters (two tickets). VIP individual tickets are $150, and VIP sole sisters tickets are $250. A VIP table (six tickets) is also available for $900. Those who have VIP tickets receive reserved seating, an upgraded swag bag and valet parking.

To purchase tickets or learn more about Wine Women & Shoes, please visit www.wellmontfoundation.org.