The Women’s Council of Realtors Northwest Indiana showcased stylish solidarity with a fashion show benefiting Fighting Pretty on Sunday, April 27. Hosted at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the event drew in guests from across the Region to support the nonprofit organization, whose mission is to help women battling cancer feel strong and beautiful.
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Fighting Pretty, founded in 2013, runs a handful of different programs to support women in active cancer treatment. One of the most recognizable ways is its Strength & Beauty Kits, which is packed with mini “Gloves of Strength,” colorful inspiration cards, and clean, high-quality makeup.
Women’s Council President Elizabeth Velazquez learned of the organization when she met Fighting Pretty Board President Alyssa Gawlinski, and quickly decided that she wanted to do something to help.
“Everyone knows someone that’s been impacted by cancer, so when I met with Alyssa it was an immediate no-brainer to partner with Fighting Pretty,” Velazquez said. “Our organization wants to raise awareness to anyone and everyone about Fighting Pretty, especially with us being women-led.”
The event included a bottomless brunch, live music, and a boutique of vendors offering fashion products and accessories, as well as other style services. The climax, of course, was the fashion show featuring a set of volunteer models from the Region’s real estate community such as McColly Real Estate’s Heather McColly. They donned outfits and styles assembled by the boutique vendors and strode down the runway.
“These vendors and community supporters are the backbone of everything that we do,” Gawlinski said. “They’re the ones out there providing services and giving back to the community and are front and center with all these amazing people that live here. Having them as advocates for us plays such a huge role in our work, and honestly, we couldn’t do it without them.”
The stars of the runway, however, were the event’s two Guests of Honor, Sara Flores and Elizabeth Bessert. Both women are cancer survivors, with Flores receiving her diagnosis in 2023 and Bessert receiving hers as an elementary schooler 27 years ago. The two shared their stories and their thoughts on the importance of Fighting Pretty’s mission.
Bessert, for example, reflected on the teasing and bullying she faced as a little girl who had lost her hair due to her cancer treatments. She called attention to some of the organization’s other activities such as its Beauty and Bubbles Program, where it partners with salons and spas to offer women in the fight free manicures, pedicures, and other self-care treatments.
“For the last couple of years I’ve gotten manicures, full facials, and hair blowouts,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Fighting Pretty, I wouldn’t be getting those services even though I struggle with my hair and skin all the time because of my cancer treatments. It’s really awesome that they provide something like this.”
From the moment Velazquez brought the idea for the event to her team, every member bought in completely. Hector Magallanes, local membership director for the Women’s Council, took in the show as he sold raffle tickets to help raise funds.
“When I first got approached regarding the Women’s Council of Realtors, I thought it was a sign from above that I needed to get more involved in our community, especially to help out women,” he said. “I have a cousin in Kansas fighting cancer and I wanted to support this cause and be involved. Hearing these stories, being involved, and seeing the impact Fighting Pretty can have just leaves me speechless.”
Gawlinski was thrilled to see a strong turnout to the event and by the depth of the Women’s Council’s support.
“It’s inspiring and gives me hope that there are so many people out in the world and in our communities that want to give back and make a difference,” she said. “When Liz and I met and started talking about this event, it was like sparks were flying. I had a great feeling about it, and I’m so proud that they selected Fighting Pretty to work with this year.”
To learn more about Fighting Pretty and how you can support its mission, please visit fightingpretty.org. For more information about the Women’s Council of Realtors Northwest Indiana, visit wcr.org
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