September 13 marked local non-profit organization Love is Bald’s second annual fashion show at City Stage at Level 5 in downtown Wilmington. 

 

“Two years ago, me and Allen, started this organization to help others help their friends and loved ones make it through [the disease],” said co-founder Kelli Russell. 

 

Russell and Allen Williford met at around 15 years old. They were best friends throughout high school and into adulthood. Russell and Williford eventually shared an apartment together with their friend Peyton Dergay. The three of them lived harmoniously for years until Dergay was confronted with difficult news. Dergay was diagnosed with a cancer rarely found in adults and for a year and a half Dergay fought through it with chemotherapy and hopeful spirits. 

 

Unfortunately, the cancer returned after treatment, and she was given six months to live. But instead of suffering on chemotherapy, Dergay decided to live life to the fullest and make the best out of the time she had left. Dergay passed away in 2004. 

 

In order to honor her life, Russell and Williford created Love is Bald. Their mission is to not only keep Dergay’s memory alive, but to give back, celebrate life and never take things for granted. 

 

For this specific event, Love is Bald donated all proceeds to Pretty in Pink, a North Carolina-based breast cancer foundation. The foundation has been running for eight years and opened a center in Wilmington a year ago. “100 percent of our proceeds go to patients in need,” said Joy Wade, founder of Pretty in Pink.

 

Various vendors came out and supported the cause; YoSake Sushi Bar provided hors d’oeuvres, Three Olives Vodka served drinks, Brush Salon provided hair and makeup, and Lure, Sweetwater Board Shop and Mob Mentality brought the fashion. 

 

“All of the money made tonight is going to a woman in New Hanover County, I cannot disclose her name for privacy reasons, but the money will go towards her surgery, chemotherapy or whatever she needs,” said Russell.

 

“It was amazing- the people gave a lot of energy. Kelli blows my mind! Another cancer organization doing something for another, that’s just amazing,” said Wade. 

 

Women weren’t the only ones inspired. Mob Mentality, a predominantly male clothing company, explained their joy in helping out as well. 

 

“We are a local company, and we like to support other local organizations because we are local at heart,” said Oliver Willcox, founder and designer of Mob Mentality. 

 

City Stage had a full house, and Pretty in Pink had a full purse to give to their patient.