A Reminder to Go Naked and Check Yourself

When it comes to fighting cancer, the best weapon available in your arsenal is early detection. So, if you happen to find yourself in a situation that’s clothing optional, go ahead and feel around. It’s for your own good.

Go Naked and Check Yourself. That’s the name of an upcoming event designed to help raise awareness for detectable cancers. More than 100 percent of ticket sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society of Monmouth and Ocean counties, which has an office based in Red Bank and helps support those affected by cancer and their families, too.

The tongue-in-cheek title comes from the event’s organizers, and . Sugarush offers naked cupcakes and invites its patrons to dress them with assorted toppings and Sweetest Sin sells lingerie, garments often worn prior to the “go naked” part.

Local businesses have answered a call to action, Sugarush co-owner Chris Paseka said at his bakery Wednesday, with more than two-dozen local businesses and organizations donating money and prizes for the Sunday, Nov. 20 event being held at on Monmouth Street.

“It was quite important to us that this be a community event,” he said. “We’re also hoping to build a sense of community among the businesses here in Red Bank. RiverCenter does wonderful things, but I really haven’t seen anything since I’ve been here that sees all of the stores come together for one cause.”

Paseka and Angie Courtney, owner of Sweetest Sin on White Street, formed a friendship soon after Paseka and his husband Jesse Bello-Paseka opened up their Front Street shop. Though they had the concept of Go Naked and Check Yourself down relatively quickly, exactly which organization would benefit from the fundraiser took a bit of an investigation. Looking to the local branch of the ACA for advice, they eventually settled on, well, the local branch of the American Cancer Society.

With the amount of supportive care the ACA offers, including going as far as helping cancer survivors purchase wigs and prostheses, the choice was clear.

The event also significant personal meaning for Paseka, whose mother is a cancer survivor and whose father is currently fighting bladder cancer. Although the event highlights detectable cancers, Paseka said it was important to not exclude any type of cancer, but to emphasize the need for early detection.

According to a release, the night will include complimentary champagne, appetizers, and cupcakes, along with drink specials, a gift bag, prizes – you need to show up to win – and auctions to help raise more money. Experts will be on hand with lots of useful information. To help hammer the theme home, models in boxers and lingerie will be in attendance.

The event has been promoted by Mayor Pat Menna, who promised at a recent Red Bank council meeting that he would attend, wearing a pair of silk boxers if that will help the cause. Paseka said that hasn’t been confirmed, those he has heard the rumor.

“I know nothing about it other than what people have told me,” he said. “I love his enthusiasm and support.”

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door and can be purchased at either Sugarush or Sweetest Sin. Donations and sponsorships are still being accepted.