Merging fashion and charity together, Funding Research of Cancer (FROC) is bringing together an amazing array of Melbourne’s fashion design talent to help raise funds for the Peter McCallum Cancer Foundation.
Now in its third year, the not-for-profit event was started by Melbourne hairdressers Andrea Pavlou (Xiang Hair – Essendon, Greensborgouh, QV and Collingwood) and James Razos (Rakis on Collins – Melbourne CBD). This year’s event will see fashion labels Cactus Jam, Trimapee, Cose Ipanema and Husk donate their wares to the cause. Stunning Melbourne models have also volunteered their time for the event.
The hairdressers joined forces to raise money for cancer because they feel they are both fortunate to have good health, good businesses and a good life and wanted to give back.
“I lost a client very dear to me – as all clients are – and she died from thyroid cancer and we decided to give [something] back,” explains founding member Pavlou. Funds raised will go towards research and clinical trials into 11 types of tumours, as well as help equip cancer research facilities to find new and better cures for cancers.
A ticket to the event will get you drinks on arrival, a gift bag, a ten minute stand-up by comedian Dave Hughes, and commentary by MC Jennifer Hanson. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction and the fashion parade – modelled by some of Australia’s top models.
“The first year we had approximately 350 people attend the event and we raised $18,800 and last year we had just under 500 and we raised $33,000,” says Pavlou who says this year she is aiming high. Their goal is for 600 people to attend the event and hopefully raise around the $50,000 mark.
“It’s a really fun vibrant night full of hair and fashion,” says Pavlou.
FROC, fundraising research of cancer, will take place on Monday 27 February, at Peninsula C, Shed 14, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Doors open 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start. Tickets are $65 and are available from Ticketmaster by visiting ticketmaster.com.au. For more information on the event go to www.froc.net.au