AUGUST 2012 Dont' Come As Yourself


Identity Crisis l


Whether you come as Mar-


tha Washington or Interplanet Janet (she’s a galaxy girl), you can create your own identity and party in Shepherdstown August 10 while helping to raise money for breast cancer education and services—and pitch in to help a few local resi- dents struggling with medical bills due to catastrophic illness. It’s all part of the third annual Identity Crisis, an evening of community togetherness and fun to help people who need it. The event was started as a


private women’s event in 2010 by Tara Sanders Lowe, and in 2011 it became a fundraising event that raised thousands of dollars for local resident Bren- da Doss to help with medical expenses while going through chemotherapy. This year’s event also will


help Breast Cancer Awareness– Cumberland Valley, an indepen- dent nonprofit agency serving Berkeley, Jefferson and Mor- gan counties in West Virginia; Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland; Franklin


and Fulton counties in Penn syl - vania, and the Win- c h e s t e r , V i r g i n i a area. “ W e


don’t want to see people go through breast can- cer without support,” said Joan Fell, execu- tive director of BCA–CV. “So every service we provide is free—there are no catches.” Those services include a


range of free early detection programs like mammograms and self-examination educa- tion, as well as post-diagnosis services like education on sur- gical choices, treatments, and therapies. The group even pro- vides free wigs for chemother- apy patients, support groups, and help with living expenses.


“We help


pay utility bills, car insurance, you name it,” said Fell. Fell says that nearly all of BCA–CV’s $450,000 budget comes from fundraisers, com- munity events like Identity Cri- sis, and individual donations.


l Identity


Crisis kicks off with a ladies-only p r i v a t e V.I.P. pre- party early in the eve- ning that will raise money for BCA–CV. Af- ter the pre- party, many of the town’s bars, clubs, pubs and other establish- ment will be deco-


rated for the Identity Crisis—and so will bar- tenders and wait staff. Funds raised at the pre-par-


ty will be earmarked to be used towards Eastern Panhandle residents. “The event has a large fol-


lowing from past years, and is also promoted by each partici- pating establishment to their clientele, said event director Sanders Lowe. “It is quite a sight to see. Last year many


places were packed with people in their Identities.” Each participating establish-


ment will be paired up with a local individual and will raise money to go towards that in- dividual. Additional money will be raised for the BCA-CV with a Picstacheo Photo Booth, drink specials, and door cover donations. So far, Stonewall’s/ Tony’s Pizza, Yellow Brick Bank, the Mecklenburg Inn, Thirty 6 Prime, Devonshire, and the Op- era House have all signed on to participate. The goal of this annual event


is to bring the community to- gether to help raise funds and awareness for those battling cancer as well as other debili- tating diseases, such as Lymes Disease and Muscular Dystro- phy. “The sense of community and goodwill from individuals and organizations is inspiring and overwhelming,” said Sand- ers Lowe. This years theme ties into Shepherdstown’s big 250th Birthday. Event goers will be asked to come dressed in an


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