On Saturday, Oct. 20 the Sacramento Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will host “Artists for the Cure” at Creative Vera Studio (1200 S St.) beginning at 6 pm. The event is expected to draw 125 guests, and will feature works donated by 30 local artists.

The fun evening of art, fashion and live music will be catered by Le Cordon Bleu. A fashion show with clothing created by young area designers, coordinated by the International Academy of Design and Technology, will be a highlight of the evening. All donated artwork will be included in a silent auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the local Komen Affiliate.

Among the contributing artists are: Chris Kidsolar, Jared Konopitski, Dawn Blanchfield, Lala Ortiz, Jim Shepherd Jr., Christian Cinder, Kelly O’Neill, Daniel Mendoza, Jill Allyn Stafford, Raphael Delgado, Shmak Creations, Kathy Blackburn, Jennifer Erin Young, Megan Wermske, Heather Olson and Christine Shimosaka.

"As I painted a piece for Artists for the Cure, I felt that every brush stroke could take us one step closer to find a cure,” said Jared Konopitski. “Every piece donated, every dollar raised, every day in the research labs, and every moment we are focusing on this tragedy called cancer, we are closer to finding the cure. And if my small paint doodles can help, even just a little bit, I am happy to be a part of projects like this."

Added Christian Cinder, "I believe there is a cure and perhaps even preventative measures for breast cancer that research has yet to discover or had the funding to pursue. Early detection may be the best defense, but it's too reactionary and not always something a person will take the time to do.  Too many people believe it won't affect them. They are wrong. It's not just you who is at risk, but your mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends.  Awareness is only a small part of this battle, and I think it’s shameful that with all our technology and knowledge, we still haven't beaten this."

“Artists for the Cure” is being presented by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Tickets for the event start at $20 and include a free raffle ticket for a three-day, two-night Las Vegas trip package for two. Tickets are available online at www.komensacramento.org/Artists. VIP packages also are available online.

Jill Allyn Stafford, a contributing artist, Komen volunteer and member of the planning committee, got involved when a close friend died of breast cancer. She is excited that the Affiliate is planning an event that will attract young professionals.

"I think about all the beautiful women I've known who have battled or are battling breast cancer,” she said. “More numbers than it should be. It overwhelms me sometimes, makes me feel so hopeless. But there's no room for despair; instead I just have to keep on doing what I can to help."