150 humans, dog take part in fundraiser

Published 11:33 am Friday, October 14, 2011

Photo provided by Patty Nowlin Jen Sobasky from Mane Event in Elkhart styles a feather into dog Maverick’s hair as part of the "Pink Flair to be Breast Cancer Aware." Maverick came with his owners from Red Star Auction, which raised $1,640.

Midwest Energy Cooperative’s Cassopolis Service Center doubled as a hair salon Friday as the co-op hosted its inaugural “Pink Flair to be Breast Cancer Aware” event. Nearly 150 people and one canine visited the office and donated $10 to have a pink feather or hair extension styled into their hair in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In total, $1,640 was raised to support the programs of Cass County Cancer Service.
“Cancer has touched the lives of many in our employee family, and this was another fun way that we could stand up and do something to help,” said Nicole Barfell, Midwest Energy’s community development specialist. “We had people waiting in line first thing in the morning and a steady stream of visitors all day long. The community participation was amazing!”
Jen Sobasky, a hair stylist and certified extension specialist from Mane Event in Elkhart, donated her time for the event, and representatives from Cass County Cancer Service were on hand all day to provide information about available programs and services.