CREDIT: LITTLEBLACKDRESSEVENT.CA
Some Fashion Design students from Fanshawe are participating in the sixth annual Little Black Dress event, which raises money for Wellspring London and Region to support people who are affected by cancer.

Little black dresses are hitting the runway this month to support those affected by cancer.

September 21 marks the sixth annual Little Black Dress Event hosted by Nova Vita in support of Wellspring London and Region, an organization that offers programs and services to individuals with cancer, as well as their family members and caregivers.

Operating on the generosity of donors and community-based fundraising initiatives, Wellspring provides these programs and services free of charge to help people restore the dignity and control often lost when diagnosed with cancer.

Taking place at London Music Hall at 185 Queens Ave., the event is featuring a hairstyle and fashion show hosted by local salon Nova Vita.

Melissa Whittle, managing partner of the Little Black Dress event, praised the team at Nova Vita for their level of dedication, support and creativity in creating a great show with client and community involvement. "Every year we have an incredible team of volunteers who work all year round to bring the details, donations and contributors together, on a shoestring budget, which is invaluable," said Whittle.

Dedicating their time and talent to the Little Black Dress fashion show, students from Fanshawe's Fashion Design program are contributing their little black dress creations to the cause.

Third-year Fashion Design student Julia Cangemi is donating her little black dress design to the event, hoping to inspire people affected by cancer.

"I wanted to participate because all the proceeds go to an amazing cause that helps a lot of people," said Cangemi, "and through this event I am able to get my name and my designs out into the community."

In his second year at Fanshawe, Sebastian Guarin encouraged other Fashion Design students to seek out volunteer opportunities such as the Little Black Dress Event to gain experience while giving back to the community.

"I am always finding ways to be creative, and explore and further my talents," said Guarin. "What better way than to participate in an event for charity where my creations can be showcased?"

Guarin said he hopes that his little black dress design will inspire young people to participate in events like these.

"There are many young people like me who care and who want to help out," he said. "I do it because it matters and because it's important to me."

Fran Tran, event publicist for the Little Black Dress Event, recognized the hard work that volunteers put into the event to make it a success.

"We're glad and appreciative of the students wanting to participate," said Tran. "It's a great way to provide an opportunity for them to get their feet wet and for the event to support local emerging talent."

With over 600 guests expected to attend, this year's event is featuring "Believe with Bekka" — a motivational speech by Bekka Demers who is currently battling breast cancer. Overcoming a radical mastectomy and chemotherapy treatments, Bekka will share her story of hope and belief that she can now confidently call herself a survivor.

Since 2007, the Little Black Dress Event has raised over $75,000 for Wellspring and the local community. Along with a dedicated staff of volunteers, Whittle and Rhonda Bernardi, owner of Nova Vita, organize this event to bring fun, fashion and music together.

"We're looking forward to another great event this year," said Whittle.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance for $40 at Nova Vita Hair Studios & Esthetics located at 740 Richmond St. or online at ticketscene.ca. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door for $50.

For more information on the event, visit littleblackdressevent.ca.