Once Again, it's Time to Go Naked

For those considering getting naked for a good cause, it’s not too late.

The second annual Go Naked and Check Yourself event for cancer awareness is being held Sunday at Teak restaurant in Red Bank.

A joint effort by the folks at Sugarush and Sweetest Sin lingerie, Go Naked is an attempt to draw attention to detectable cancers, including breast, testicular, and skin cancers, among others. And while you’re not required to go naked at the event, there will be lingerie models on hand to demonstrate what it’s like.

“These particular cancers, if caught soon enough, are 100 percent preventable,” Chris Paseka, one half of the Sugarush duo, said. “If one person goes home and checks themselves and finds something, prevents something, it’s worth it.”

In truth, however, Go Naked has done far more than just encourage a single person. Last year, the sold out-event raised nearly $9,000, brought approximately 250 people to Teak on Monmouth Street, and saw donations from more than 65 local businesses.

This year, Paseka said the minimum goal is to raise 50 percent more money than last year. He said he’d be ecstatic if Go Naked could double its last year fundraising total.

Money raised at this year’s event will benefit the Young Survivors Coalition, Livestrong, the American Cancer Society, and Move For Hunger. The last organization was added following Hurricane Sandy.

Following the success of last year’s event, Paseka said he was even more motivated to get the ball rolling this year. While busy work schedules have left Paseka, his husband Jesse Bello-Paseka, and Sweetest Sin’s Angie Courtney without much free time, the outpouring of support from local businesses has been worth the effort.

“I wanted to feel like I was part of a community,” Paseka, whose parents are both cancer survivors, said. “Something bigger than just a store; more than just cupcakes. Why not do something where we can get together?”

This year, Paseka said the event has received more sponsors and business donations than last year.

Tickets are still available. Stop in at Sugarush or Sweetest Sin to pick up your tickets.