The Women’s Council of Realtors Northwest Indiana brought fashion and compassion together during a vibrant charity fashion show benefiting Fighting Pretty on Sunday, April 27. Held at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the event welcomed guests from across the Region to raise funds and awareness for the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women undergoing cancer treatment feel strong and beautiful.
Founded in 2013, Fighting Pretty provides vital emotional support through various programs, most notably its Strength & Beauty Kits. These kits include mini “Gloves of Strength,” inspirational cards, and clean, high-quality makeup products — all designed to uplift women during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
The idea to partner with Fighting Pretty came when Women’s Council President Elizabeth Velazquez connected with Board President Alyssa Gawlinski. Their shared vision sparked immediate action.
“Everyone knows someone that’s been impacted by cancer, so when I met with Alyssa it was an immediate no-brainer to partner with Fighting Pretty,” said Velazquez. “Our organization wants to raise awareness to anyone and everyone about Fighting Pretty, especially with us being women-led.”
Guests enjoyed a lively day filled with bottomless brunch, live music, and a curated boutique market offering fashion accessories and beauty services. The highlight of the event was the fashion show, featuring local real estate professionals, including Heather McColly from McColly Real Estate, who modeled looks styled by participating vendors.
“These vendors and community supporters are the backbone of everything that we do,” said Gawlinski. “They’re the ones out there providing services and giving back to the community and are front and center with all these amazing people that live here. Having them as advocates for us plays such a huge role in our work, and honestly, we couldn’t do it without them.”
The fashion show’s emotional core came from the two Guests of Honor, cancer survivors Sara Flores and Elizabeth Bessert. Flores received her diagnosis in 2023, while Bessert began her journey as a child 27 years ago. Both women courageously shared their personal stories, emphasizing how Fighting Pretty has supported them through their respective battles.
Bessert spoke about being bullied after losing her hair to treatment as a young girl and praised Fighting Pretty’s Beauty and Bubbles program — a collaboration with salons and spas that offers free self-care services like manicures, pedicures, and facials to women in treatment.
“For the last couple of years I’ve gotten manicures, full facials, and hair blowouts,” Bessert shared. “If it wasn’t for Fighting Pretty, I wouldn’t be getting those services even though I struggle with my hair and skin all the time because of my cancer treatments. It’s really awesome that they provide something like this.”
Velazquez’s passion for the cause was shared by her entire team, who embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Local membership director Hector Magallanes participated in the event by selling raffle tickets to raise additional funds.
“When I first got approached regarding the Women’s Council of Realtors, I thought it was a sign from above that I needed to get more involved in our community, especially to help out women,” said Magallanes. “I have a cousin in Kansas fighting cancer and I wanted to support this cause and be involved. Hearing these stories, being involved, and seeing the impact Fighting Pretty can have just leaves me speechless.”
The strong turnout and community engagement left Gawlinski feeling deeply moved.
“It’s inspiring and gives me hope that there are so many people out in the world and in our communities that want to give back and make a difference,” she said. “When Liz and I met and started talking about this event, it was like sparks were flying. I had a great feeling about it, and I’m so proud that they selected Fighting Pretty to work with this year.”
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