Community Corner

Dexter Businessmen in Bras Return for 2012 Calendar

Proceeds from the sale of the "BRAve Men of Dexter" calendar will benefit the American Cancer Society.

In a follow-up to 2011's wildly successful American Cancer Society fundraiser, the "" are back in a brand-new 2012 calendar.

The calendar is the brainchild of Dexter residents Patti Christian and June Mann and features prominent members of the community decked out in women's bras near their places of business.

This year's calendar features W4 Country (WWWW-FM, 102.9) host Brian "Bubba" Cowan, Brandon Lockman of and a dozen other local residents.

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"We started signing up new recruits as soon as the 2011 calendar went to print," Mann said. "We have some wonderful businessmen who graciously volunteered to model the bras."

Lockman said he was honored to be approached for the calendar.

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"When they first asked me, I was a bit leery," Lockman said. "I ultimately decided to do it because it is for such a good cause. Twelve years ago, my two instructors who taught me karate died from cancer, and I thought this was a good way to honor them."

Christian said the idea for the calendar began in 2009 as members of her team, Friends and Family, were looking for creative ways to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

"We are very passionate about helping fund a cure for cancer," Christian said. "We aren't doing this for the recognition. We want to see this cancer epidemic coming to a close in our lifetime."

The photos in the calendar were taken by local photographer Anne Savage and feature the men in their place of business or in a prominent Dexter landmark. Lockman's photo was snapped midair as he performed a karate manuever at his dojo.

"Once I saw the calendar, I thought it was pretty neat to be a part of," Lockman said.

Mann said the calendar would not be possible without the help of Savage, the Friends and Family team, graphic designer Kathleen Malda and several local businesses who donate toward the cost of printing the calendar.

"Anne has done some amazing work with her photos," Mann said. "We're very thankful to her for the time and effort she has put into the project."

Christian said that last year, all 250 calendars sold out quickly; this year, she hopes to sell even more. The 2012 calendars cost $20 and may be purchased at the , , , , and .

Cowan will host W4 Country's "Breakfast with Bubba" show from 6-10 a.m. Friday at in Dexter and will be autographing calendars.

"It touches our hearts to see how many people want to do anything they can, even if it's something small, to help fight cancer," Christian said. "It inspires us to keep making the calendar."

The team is looking for suggestions for future bra designs and models. If anyone would like to decorate and donate a bra or sponsor next year's calendar, email bravemendex@gmail.com.


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