Going Naked Raises Thousands for Cancer Cause

It can be difficult to quantify the success of something, especially when that something is a brand new charitable benefit that calls on the business community to step up and come together to raise money for a good cause.

But, a giant check helps.

On Friday, the organizers of presented the American Cancer Society of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, which is based in Red Bank, with a check for $8,405, more than 100 percent of ticket sales collected at its sold out inaugural benefit held at Teak last month.

The name Go Naked and Check Yourself is a play on the separate businesses of co-founders Chris Paseka, co-owner of bakery, which invites customers to dress naked cupcakes, and Angie Courtney, owner of , the White Street lingerie boutique. The title and the organization’s hope, however, are also quite literal. Go Naked and Check Yourself is a campaign designed to raise awareness about detectable cancers and to encourage everyone to take it upon themselves to make feeling around a regular occurrence.

Despite the newness of the campaign and the relative speed with which its first event came together, Go Naked and Check Yourself earned all of the community support Paseka had hoped for. More than 65 local businesses contributed to the event with either monetary donations or items for the event’s silent auction. The sold out event to to bid on goods, sample gourmet food offerings, and hang out with lingerie-clad models.

Paseka said he and Courtney decided to donate the money to the American Cancer Society after visiting the Red Bank branch. Looking for advice on where best to donate the proceeds from the event, Paseka said he found that the organization benefits local residents both fighting and recovering from cancer.

With the success of the first Go Naked bash, Paseka said to expect the event to become an annual one. But, he’s not settling for a repeat performance. In an email to Patch Friday morning, Paseka said the goal for next year is to see more than 80 businesses involved in the campaign.