“When we learned about [McCall Zerboni]’s aunt’s battle with breast cancer, we wanted to find a way to give back,” said David Bayer of Powder Springs.
Bayer and his wife, Carey, decided to launch the MZ and Emmers Sports Bra Auction, after the respective nicknames for Zerboni and the Bayers’ daughter, Emma. The idea came from Brandy Chastain’s famous sports bra controversy in the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
“With McCall being a professional soccer player, it became a great way to not only raise money for breast cancer, but also promote and empower women’s athletics,” Bayer said. Zerboni played midfield for the Atlanta Beat in 2010, and now plays for the Western New York Flash.
The Bayers have collected more than 200 sports bras signed by Jane Fonda, gymnast Nadia Comaneci, volleyball star Gabrielle Reece, and more. The proceeds from the auction will benefit three charities: Susan G. Komen Foundation- Los Angeles (Zerboni’s hometown), Keep A Breast Foundation, and the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network, which is based in Peachtree City.
“It was very exciting to become a part of this auction because we can continue to help all women with this battle, as more are getting diagnosed at a very young age,” said Janet Beebe, executive director of the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network. The all-volunteer nonprofit provides products such as wigs, customized bras, and more to more than 800 breast cancer survivors throughout Georgia.
Held in July 2011, the first auction raised more than $4,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation with 84 bras. For the 2012 auction, the Bayers hope to surpass $10,000 to help the missions of the charities.
“This idea came over dinner, and has taken off because of the tremendous amount of support from our community,” said Zerboni, whose aunt died in 2010. “It really shows the power of good nature and that anyone can do something to make a difference.”
The 2012 MZ and Emmers Sports Bra Auction will be on www.eBay.com until April 15.
In Other News: On March 20, more than $60,000 was raised at an event for Fix Georgia Pets, an outreach program created to prevent the euthanization of dogs and cats through spaying and neutering. The money raised will aid organizations that offer free or low cost spay/neuter services in hopes to reduce homeless dogs and cats and address Georgia's pet population crisis.
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