Pictured is Ross Rosaaen with his highly anticipated bra that will be donated to the 2015 Best Kept Secret Bra Auction.
Rosaaen's "Superman" bra generated $33,000 two years ago. The bra literally lit up the room.
Every year since 2012 Ross Rosaaen has donated a unique bra for the Best Kept Secret Bra Auction, an event which raises money for the Cancer Coalition Relief Fund. This fund offers assistance to patients receiving cancer treatment through the Sidney Health Center and are specifically designated to assist with living expenses during treatment and provide cancer screening in Richland, McCone, Dawson, Wibaux, Prairie, and Fallon Counties. Rosaaen has taken the initiative to use his skills as a welder to fashion some of the most interesting and elaborate bras at the annual event.
In 2011 Donetta Asbeck came into Niehenke Welding needing his help with a bra she was working on for the event and after that Rosaaen decided to create one of his own.
This year he is dedicating his donation to Asbeck, Nikki Carda, and Mickyla Eide.
"They are the reason I got involved in the first place," said Rosaaen. "They sparked my interest."
Over the years, his donations have raised over $55,000; two years ago, his "Superman" bra sold for $33,000 with the condition that Rosaaen try it on himself, which, being a good sport, he obliged.
"There have been a lot of great supporters," he commented of the fundraiser. Having had family members with cancer, he added, "You never know when someone will need help. It's great community support and the money raised stays local."
This year, his donated creation, which is nothing short of artistry and is his biggest one to date, is entitled "Cancer Battle Suit" and is highly anticipated, promising to shock and awe. This year may be Rosaaen's last Bra Auction for a while as business and family is keeping him quite busy and he is hoping to peak people's interest with his to-be-donated bra weighing nine pounds and that's not including the accessories which complete the "Cancer Battle Suit".
Rosaaen, who was born and raised in Sidney, says he enjoys the challenge of building the bras and so far has put about twenty-four hours into welding the "Cancer Battle Suit" that will be unveiled at this year's Best Kept Secret Bra Auction, Friday, May 1st at the event Center in Sidney with registration from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the live auction from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. In addition to the silent and live auction, there will be appetizers, DJ music, and drinks available.
To donate a bra or attend the 10th Annual Bra Auction, contact the Richland County Health Department at 406-433-2207.
Rosaaen is hoping for a large turn out this year as it is the 10th Annual Bra Auction and would like to see regular supporters as well as those new to the event turn out. What started out as a fundraising event to help women get screened for breast cancer has become a huge success and the event has grown every year generating enough funding to aid those with all types of cancer.
"The ladies that put this event together are awesome," he commended. "It's a fun way to get involved and help the community."
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