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ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Detroit native and Hollywood actor Dave Coulier guest hosted the 2nd Annual "Bras for a Cause" event at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on September 18. More than $90,000 was raised during the event, with proceeds going toward the Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit. Online donations are still being accepted at www.brasforacausemichigan.com.

The event was held in honor of Shannon Watson, who won her battle with breast cancer in 2009. Watson founded the “Bras for a Cause” event last year and co-founded the Rack Pack at Gilda’s Club in Metro Detroit. However, her cancer came back and she left this world on April 16, 2010.

This year’s fundraiser saw 100 more guests than last year, 11 more Art Bra models for a total of 21 and 10 more food vendors for a total of 15, according to event organizer Nancy Armstrong. In addition, there were more sponsors and donors at this year’s event.

“Stepping in as Committee Chair this year has not always been easy emotionally, but from a planning perspective, it has been a breeze,” Armstrong said. “Not only did Shannon leave behind a perfect map detailing her vision for the event, but planning the 1st Annual 'Bras for a Cause' last year with her gave me and the other individuals on the committee direction and inspiration. Getting through the event, even planning it without Shannon, was trying at times. But we all felt that not only did we want to keep the dream alive, but we wanted to continue to grow the event each year. We would joke…’It’s our second year, we’re pros now!!’ Well, maybe not ‘pros.’”

Final totals for the live auction items are $2,500 for the Pistons suite with limo, $1,300 for the weekend in Chicago, $1,100 for the sports package and $900 for the vintage Rolex watch. The spa day for four sold for $850, the Oakland Hills golf package sold for $800, the Michigan golf package and the Dine out for a Year both sold for $750.

"Shannon’s mission in life was to help others who like her had been diagnosed with cancer,” said Watson’s husband, Kevin, in the event program. “Her goal was to become completely healthy while helping everyone she could along the way. To me she was my wife, my best friend, my soulmate and my hero! Don’t let anything, or anybody hold you back from chasing your dreams.”

The charity fundraiser included an art bra fashion show, a live and silent auction, music by Jill Jack and Stewart Francke. There was food from restaurants such Bagger Dave’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, cup.cake, Edgewood Country Club, Garden Fresh Salsa and Hogger’s BBQ. Mama Mia Italian Cuisine, Mary Denning’s Cake Shoppe, The Melting Pot, Mezza Mediterranean Grille, mind body & spirits, Rochester Mills Beer Co., Royal Kubo, Sweet Expressions Chocolate and Zumba Mexican Grille also donated food and beverages for the event.

"There are certain experiences, such as losing a loved one, that can knock the wind out of us…literally taking our breath away,” Coulier said in the event program. “All of us who are involved with ‘Bras for a Cause’ have shared this experience in myriad ways. The spirits of those we have lost, and the spirit of us as a group today, merge together in this event. As we celebrate the lives of those who are no longer ‘physically’ with us, we realize that they will always be a huge part of our lives in every way.”

The event organizer said there are a few things she would change for next year. However, she would like to keep the foundation of the event the same.

“There are always things you would like to change after an event of this sort – certain areas that should run more smoothly, we could add more volunteers, have better signage, clearer announcements, etc,” Armstrong added. “It’s definitely a work in progress, and we will continue to make that progress…on to next year! We do it all for Gilda’s Club, and in Shannon’s honor. Shannon was responsible for bringing 'Bras for a Cause' to Michigan – it was her vision. It is my hope that we can continue to expand and build onto her vision each year as time goes by. Who knows where we will be next year…900 guests? $150,000 donated to Gilda’s? Anything is possible.”

One thing is for sure, the "Bras for a Cause" event will return in 2011.

Related Story: Dave Coulier helps raise $48,000 for charity; considers filming in Michigan