New Hope Boutique Hosts 'Couture for a Cure' to Help Fight Breast Cancer

An award in memory of beloved neighbor and supporter Ellen Bollenbacher will be presented to a deserving member of the community.

New Hope boutique Dominique Daniela will host the 8th Annual Couture for a Cure fashion event to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against breast cancer at Hotel Du Village on Oct. 19.

For boutique owner and fashion designer Dominique D. Pino-Santiag, the mission is personal – her mother is a breast cancer survivor.

“I had to learn at 13 about breast cancer when my mother was diagnosed,” recalls Pino-Santiago. “Thankfully, she is a long-time survivor and continues to support me at every fashion show. Her strength along with the many women I have met through the years who have battled breast cancer continue to inspire me. This show is to honor them and those we need remember, and educate the next generation, with strides towards a cure.”

The fundraising event has grown over the years with the collaboration of New Hope small business owners who collectively donate their time, funding and fashion items to host a special evening of fashion for a great cause.

Dominique D. Pino-Santiago.

This years’ fashion show is focused on the next generation of survivors. All proceeds raised this year will benefit the Young Survivor Coalition (YSC) as well as the Healing Consciousness Foundation. YSC has been at the forefront of proving support for this unique population by working with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and length of life for young women diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 40 and younger, say event organizers. Bucks County-based HCF, founded by breast cancer surgeon Dr. Beth DuPree, offers many services to instill wellness after breast cancer.

The evening starts at 7 p.m. with an extravagant cocktail hour, featuring a signature “think pink” cocktail, the “Boobie Trap,” and then walk the “pink carpet” to peruse unique silent auction items. Pino-Santiago has choreographed an original dance ensemble with young performers from Doylestown Dance Center, where she is a dance instructor.

This year’s silent auction items include meals at local restaurants like Fred’s Breakfast, the Landing, and Logan Inn, New York Fashion Week experience, theatre tickets, Flyers tickets, facials, massages, kids toys and books, and a variety of great gift certificates. A fashion-themed photo booth will be available to capture the moment and give guests a chance to model their favorite look for the camera.

Tickets can be purchased online or at door for $75, or $30 for student tickets, and include admission to the fashion show, one photo booth picture, a complimentary signature drink, and amazing food stations from Hotel du Village. A cash bar with beer and wine will also be available.

A high-energy fashion show modeled by all breast cancer survivors will follow, featuring clothing designed by Dominique Daniela, along with student work.

There are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday, and more than 13,000 will be diagnosed during the next year. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 44. Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Healing Consciousness Foundation (HCF), a non-profit organization, was founded by nationally recognized breast cancer surgeon Dr. Beth Baughman DuPree in 2007 after the publication of the first edition of her best seller “The Healing Consciousness: A Doctor’s Journey to Healing.”