Mountain Top Toys owners Joanna and Patrick Holland take the tutu challenge.A tutu isn’t something you’d normally see Signal Mountain resident Debbie Fassino wearing – nor Mountain Top Toys owner Patrick Holland, for that matter.
But both recently donned the frilly accessory, in the color of pink.
“It’s a creative way to raise funds,” Fassino said of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s “Do you tutu?” campaign, which she describes as similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS.
Anyone who takes the tutu challenge makes a donation of any amount and challenges someone else to wear the tutu and make a donation. Fassino works at Mountain Top Toys and challenged Holland and his wife Joanna.
Fassino is one of 15 breast cancer survivors serving as a local ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
“We’re happy and honored ‘to tutu,’ because breast cancer has affected our family, friends, and even one of our staff members,” Patrick Holland said. “Fortunately, those close to us who have had it – including my mother – are now survivors. So anything to help raise funds and greater awareness in a fresh new way sounded great to us.”
“Also, our girls love seeing both Mommy and Daddy in pink tutus,” said Joanna, adding, “Not that this is the first time Patrick has worn one.”
The Hollands, in turn, brought the same pink tutu to a Mountain Business Association meeting to challenge others.
“It doesn’t have to be a business,” Fassino said of those who accept the challenge, and give in return. “Anybody and everybody can take the challenge.”
Those who take the challenge can give anything from the change in their pockets to a large check, she added.
“It’s all for finding a cure for breast cancer,” she said, noting that all funds donated stay in Chattanooga and North Georgia.
Each person who takes the challenge gives permission for their photo to be posted on social media, along with a quick explanation of why they decided to take the challenge.
“They may have lost a family member, or just feel that this is the way they want to support the fight,” said Fassino. “It’s a light way to do a fundraiser. I hope we can get a lot of people to participate.”
The challenge will continue up until the race at Finley Stadium Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. To take the challenge, contact Fassino at 298-3723 or debbiefassino@gmail.com, or just bring your donation to the race.
“I think they should take the challenge because it’s a light way to make a difference and be able to continue the research to find a cure for breast cancer,” said Fassino, who will be a 12-year survivor in November. “There’s just too many people being diagnosed.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com