Melani Lust’s portrait evokes the sparkle in cancer survivor Karen Watts, left, of Fairfield and her daughter Megan, 12
Melani Lust’s camera studies reflecting the inspiration and hope of cancer survivors and their families are featured in an exhibit called “Things that Sparkle” were assembled for the Girls’ Night Out Fundraiser March 3 for CancerCare of Connecticut at the Lillian August Showroom in Norwalk. Westport’s Lust, a onetime professional tap dancer and art auction researcher, is a portrait specialist and CancerCare volunteer who says she is energized by the courage displayed by the survivors and “capturing their fortitude and beauty is uplifting for me.”
Using reflectors and backlighting with tiny bulbs to enhance the sparkle, Lust has produced a series of family studies in color for display in a 26-inch-by-20-inch format.
“They are heroic people,” Lust says, “and the photos reveal that they are special.”
“Denim and Diamonds” is the theme of the evening that starts with a VIP Party at 6 p.m. and a Premier Party at 7 p.m. and features a Latin dance presentation by Enrique Alarcon, Amanda Parton and The Dance Collective in Westport, the music of DJ “Big Daddy,” a diamond bar hosted by Tiffany and Company of Greenwich and a denim bar hosted by Inside Outlet of Fairfield.
The evening also offers a consignment boutique with designer fashions, a luxury silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with sweet treats, tarot card readings and an oxygen bar and mini-massage.
Tickets are $50 and $75. Reservations and more information are available online at www.cancercare.org/girlsnightout.
CancerCare of Connecticut provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved. CancerCare programs—including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help—are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.
