Donating Used Bras For Cancer Research
"Relay for Life" is an annual tradition in many communities. But in Merrill, they are raising the bar or perhaps the bra.
Since July 22nd, 2012 the people of Merrill have been collecting gently used bras for a very special cause.
The "Bras Across the Bridge" project is all part of the city's effort to raise money for the Merrill "Relay for Life."
Tomorrow residents will get their first look at how successfull the fundraiser has been when organizers string the bras across the bridge downtown.
Today, volunteers were busy "loading the line," as they call it, all in preparation for tomorrow's expected big reveal.
The Discover Downtown Merrill Business Association kicked off the fundraiser earlier this month with some uniquely decorated windows.
Since then, local businesses have been collecting bras, accepting monetary donations and holding additional fundraisers.
Additional fundraisers include free coffee at the First Street Coffee Station, a special showing of the "Hunger Games" at the Cosmo Theatre and a contest to guess how many bras will be collected.
For many small business owners, the decision to jump on board was personal.
Dennis Grefe, owner of Ye Old Sweet Shoppe in Merrill, told Newschannel 7 that he knows several people who have had cancer, including a dear friend who is currently fighting the battle.
Organizers say they are very humbled by the bra donations they have recieved, especially those from people who are currently in treatment.
Because of the contest, organizers will not say how many bras they have collected.
But they did say they will be stringing bras on both sides of the bridge instead of just one like they originally planned.
