The statistics are sobering: one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Minnesota’s breast cancer rate is 119-125 per 1,000 population, which is higher than at least 24 other states. Sadly for many of these women, a breast cancer diagnosis can create many personal hardships. Some must choose between chemotherapy and paying rent. Others become too ill to prepare nutritious meals for their families.

This fall, two woman-owned organizations are joining forces to support women such as these. “There is power in numbers. When women feel emotionally drawn to a cause, there is no stopping their momentum,” says Robin Kocina, president and owner of Mid-America Events & Expos (www.101expos.com). For the last two years, Kocina has made it her company’s personal mission to support causes related to breast cancer, after two employees were diagnosed with the disease.

Kocina is once again joining forces with Barbara Hensley, founder of Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, to show women in our community how fun and easy it can be to help. Kocina has invited Hope Chest for Breast Cancer to produce an upscale Glitz & Glamour fashion show at the upcoming Girlfriends Expo & Getaway, November 19-20, 2010 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The fashion show will feature recycled designer evening wear and accessories from the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer’s two retail stores.

“The Hope Chest fashion show during last year’s Girlfriends Expo & Getaway was such a huge success that we knew we had to invite them back,” says Kocina. “This year, just in time for the holidays, we are amping up the glamour! With these affordable fashions, we can all look like we just stepped off a fashion runway. Plus we are supporting a great cause.”  

 “We are so excited to be participating! Any time we can bring our uplifting message to so many women in our community, it’s a cause for celebration,” says Hensley, who will emcee the show. Everyone who attends the fashion show will receive a 25 percent off coupon to use at the store, which features high-end home furnishings in addition to women’s designer clothing and accessories, all of which is donated. To date, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer has donated more than $850,000 in support of local underserved women touched by breast cancer – often helping these women pay for food, rent and electricity.

Kocina also is donating 50 percent of all paid admission proceeds for all of her company’s 2010 events to Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. In addition, she is donating exhibit space to Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and the Breast Cancer Awareness Association at the Girlfriends Expo & Getaway.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone will have a great time!” says Kocina. “While the ladies are shopping, laughing and enjoying yourselves, they will also be doing something positive to help local woman coping with breast cancer. Our staff is mostly women, and two of our own have been struck by this disease. So our dedication to this cause is both personal and heartfelt. We feel a strong need to make a difference, and the Girlfriends Expo is an ideal opportunity. We know that when powerful women get together, we can make wonderful things happen.”

The Girlfriends Expo & Getaway is a chance for ladies to escape chaotic malls and those impossibly crowded parking lots. Mom needs a new purse? Would the sister who has everything love a fabulous scarf or necklace?  Want to explore the  newest trends in home décor? With more than 100 exhibits, there’s no need to get up at 4 a.m. on Black Friday. Find something perfect and unique at the show! Would you love a makeover to go withyour glamorous new outfit? Cosmetic and makeup specialists will be there to offer professional advice and services. Teeth whitening will also be available at the expo.

Here’s our suggested itinerary
Upon your arrival at the island Friday night, grab a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail from one of our conveniently-located cash bars and slip into shopping bliss at the expo.

The night doesn’t have to end after the expo closes for the night. Make this a true getaway by staying at the island, where there is something for everyone. Hit the lounge for live music and dancing, find a hot slot, socialize with your friends as you try your luck at the blackjack and poker tables, challenge your friends to a game at the new state-of-the-art bowling alley, or head to the tropical indoor pool where you can relax in the hot tub so you’ll be ready for the next day of shopping.

Then indulge yourselves by sleeping in on Saturday morning! Just don’t sleep too long because you won’t want to miss our champagne brunch before the expo re-opens at 9 a.m. Brunch is available for just $20 per person (brunch price also includes two 1/2 price tickets for drinks in the Parlay Lounge).

Special Package offer: Treasure Island Hotel & Resort is The “Girlfriends Weekend” hotel package is just $119 double occupancy, and includes two admission tickets to the Girlfriends Expo & Getaway. If your stay includes Friday night, you will also receive 2 tickets to our Saturday morning champagne brunch and four 1/2 price tickets for drinks in the Parlay Lounge. To reserve your room, call Treasure Island Resort & Casino Reservations at 1-888-867-7829.

The Girlfriends Expo & Getaway is sponsored in part by Twin Cities Live, KSTC Channel 45, Acidophilus Pearls, Remifemin, Best of Times, Bob FM, Family Times and Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $6 at the door or $3 with a discount ticket available at www.101expos.com.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with an Expo participant, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

Biography – Barbara Hensley, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Losing both of her sisters to breast cancer devastated Barbara Hensley. During their combined six year battles, she became painfully aware of the challenges faced by underserved women. Seeing women who are already struggling just to afford rent and food and who are then faced with fighting breast cancer disturbed and angered her. So she did something. In 2001 Barbara resigned her executive corporate position and founded the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer® where she chairs the Foundation, is CEO of both Hope Chest Franchising and LeeRyan Corporation.