A local downtown business followed the lead of one of its suppliers and recently sponsored a fundraiser for Heartland Cancer Center patients.

Beautiful Beginnings, 1523 Main, donated cash and a locally decorated prom dress to the HCC after the month-long event.

"One of our companies, Brighton, designs a special bracelet each year for breast cancer awareness month, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation," said Jennifer Klepper, Beautiful Beginnings owner. "A lot of women look forward to this each October and we decided to put a local twist on it."

That twist included a pink prom dress that was available for customers, and HCC patients and employees to decorate. The memento is now displayed at the cancer center.

"People signed it with blessings for patients and in memory of those who have passed," Klepper said. "Our customers could sign and decorate the dress for a small donation. The folks at the cancer center have also put their personal touches on it."

In addition, Beautiful Beginnings donated 15 percent of its bracelet sales; 15 percent of its total Brighton sales during October; and 15 percent of all sales during a special Oct. 28 store event co-hosted by Brighton and Mary Kay Sales Director Nancy Sundahl. Proceeds came to $275.

"I am thrilled we could help the cancer center patients," Klepper commented. "It has been overwhelming to learn about the numbers of people who are affected by cancer in some way.

"Being able to count on this professional local facility alleviates some of the patients’ emotional and financial stress," Klepper added, noting they don’t have to travel for treatment. "Our community is fortunate to have the center."

Jamie Hutchinson, HCC director, said she and her colleagues, along with patients and families appreciate this local effort.

"I am always so gratified at our community’s generosity," Hutchinson said. "All proceeds will stay right here and help our neighbors who are facing a difficult time."

HCC is part of the Central Kansas Medical Center family.