BOD North Idaho event will benefit local patients battling cancer

COEUR d'ALENE — During a jovial evening of music, dancing and creativity, a dedicated crew of volunteers annually works to offset the impacts of one of life's heaviest experiences — cancer.

Since its 2011 inception, the Bras on Dudes event has raised about $272,000 to help more than 540 local people battling all types of cancer. The money is filtered through the Windermere Foundation, then given to the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation, which qualifies patients and families for funding that can help with day-to-day expenses such as gas, groceries and utility bills.

"It’s fun, funny, light-hearted and all for a good cause," BOD North Idaho co-founder and Windermere agent Holly Hansen said Monday.

Brooke Breckenridge, the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation liaison, said it's fundraising that is actually fun.

"This one is unique, and the return that you get as a participant is heartwarming. You are spending the evening laughing," Breckenridge said. "It’s not a celebration of cancer, but a celebration of what we can do for patients.

"You will laugh all night," she continued. "If there’s anything we know about cancer is there’s so much about it that isn't’ funny. It makes you heartsick. This is a chance for you to see joy and other people who are trying to contribute and help."   

All of the money raised via bidding and donations stays in North Idaho. Breckenridge said about this time last year, a family came to the foundation when insurance declined to pay for a wig for their daughter, who was battling cancer as she started high school.

"With this money, we were able to pay the wigmaker," Breckenridge said. "The daughter was able to feel a little normal. Relief from a financial burden is just a little ray of hope, a ray of love in these lives and the lives in the community."

Nate Breazile of Coeur d'Alene, who has been the BOD North Idaho Dude of the Year several times, said Bras on Dudes is about helping fellow neighbors who are experiencing unseen struggles.

"Everybody’s going through something," he said. "Unless you're in it, you can’t relate."

Breazile is helping to coordinate talent for this year's Bras on Dudes event, which will feature 17 dudes who will put on a show starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Jacklin Building at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

A participant since 2016, Breazile first got involved to help Hansen out with a need for models but has returned year after year because of the significance of the cause.

"My cousin died of cancer," he said. "She had her leg amputated, and that wasn’t enough. She was 20 or 21 when that happened."

His daughter's mother underwent a double mastectomy when she learned she carried the gene for breast cancer, which her mother and grandmother had.

"There’s a very, very, very good chance my daughter carries the gene," he said.

While the glitz and glam surrounds the male models showcasing creatively sewn and decorated brassieres, the funds provide support for breast cancer patients and beyond.

“We’re doing it to raise money for local people," said Jason Czapla of Post Falls, who will model for his seventh time this year.

"It does take some courage, but once you do it and you see everybody there having a good time with the whole idea of the whole cause, it's a lot of fun," Czapla said. “It doesn’t get super risqué."

Hansen said it's not a drag show, but it is for attendees 21 and older.

"It is a tasteful and fun event," she said. 

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets include a salad buffet catered by chef Chris White. Adult beverages will be available for purchase.

"Dress up like you are going out for night on the town," Hansen said. "Bring ones and fives. You won’t be sorry you did!"

Vote for the 2025 Dude of the Year at facebook.com/BrasOnDudes. Visit bodnorthidaho.org for tickets and event info.

    Nate Breazile of Coeur d'Alene and BOD North Idaho co-founder Holly Hansen celebrate a successful evening during the 2023 Bras on Dudes benefit for the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.
  

    Spiderman, AKA Philipp Berry, accepts donations for the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation during the 2023 Bras on Dudes event. The fun returns Oct. 3 to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.