Unique sale to help fight against cancer

There's something about little girls twirling in frilly skirts that seems the perfect foil for a disease like cancer.

While science may not have figured out how to bottle their innocence and vitality, two Glen Ellyn women are turning girls' fantasies into a powerful weapon against the disease.

Under the name J&J Designs for a Cure, Jennifer Paulin and Jennifer Cancro are making and selling unique tutus. The proceeds are helping the duo and their six Glen Ellyn Newcomers for a Cure teammates meet their goal of raising $18,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by August when the team participates in the foundation's annual 3-Day Walk in Chicago.

The women, both of whom have lost loved ones to cancer, collaborate on designs and share the work - one watching both women's children while the other sews, then trading duties. The result is the stuff little girls' dreams are made of.

Because no one dreams of having cancer.

Here, Paulin tells us more about her partnership with Cancro, their team and their creative approach to fundraising.

Q. What is your mission?

A. Our mission is to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by designing, producing and selling custom tutus in order to donate all proceeds to the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, which will take place in Chicago Aug. 7, 8 and 9.

Q. How do you work your goal?

A. Along with our fellow teammates of the Glen Ellyn Newcomers for a Cure, we are committed to meeting a goal of $18,000 by August. Currently J&J Designs has raised more than $1,000 in the time we have been doing this to help meet this goal. We are really excited at the opportunity we have to leverage our creativity for a good cause while bringing a smile to the face of little girls throughout the Chicago area.

Q. Who do you serve?

A. Money from our sales will serve everyone affected by breast cancer, while at the same time, providing girls with one-of-a-kind and fun tutu designs.

Since the bulk of our tutus thus far have been purchased by Glen Ellyn and Wheaton residents, we proudly acknowledge the generous support of our community in our endeavor. Our hope is to expand beyond our town borders so that we might sell even more in order to benefit additional breast cancer initiatives.

Q. When and why did the J&J Designs start? How has it grown?

A. Our tutus made their debut in March at a local yard sale benefiting the 3-Day Walk. Nearly every tutu we made sold in a matter of hours and we were faced with the challenge of immediately replenishing our stock. Since then, we have sold many more through word-of-mouth referrals and on-the-spot purchases. What started as a fun idea quickly became a very effective fundraiser.

Q. What kind of successes have you had?

A. We have been pleased with the number of custom orders we've received since the launch of J&J Designs. It has truly grown through word-of-mouth. The custom orders, combined with other opportunities, such as yard sales and upcoming local markets, has led to the success of J&J Designs.

Q. What challenges do you face?

A. Any organization trying to raise money at this time is facing a hard challenge. Although we've been very successful to date, we are still $10,000 away from our team goal. This business provides an excellent vehicle to meet that goal and we are confident and excited about our prospects.

Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about you?

A. We are mothers to a combined five children. Together we raise our children, work on our designs and still find time to train for our upcoming 60-mile walk. Several times a week, we work together, trading shifts purchasing supplies, prepping materials and hand-making our creations while the other is playing with the children, serving up snacks or putting someone to bed. It's one of the things we love about the communities in which we live. We all pitch in and, in this case, are able to focus our efforts for a great cause.

Every tutu is unique and every detail is carefully thought-out. We confer over what colors look prettiest, which tutu will get gems and which bow needs tending to. Each design is lovingly planned and executed in order to foster every girl's dreams.

Q. How can readers get involved?

A. By purchasing a custom-designed tutu through our Web site, jandjdesigns.biz, or by visiting us at our upcoming local events. Donations can also be made by visiting the3Day.org under our team name, Glen Ellyn Newcomers for a Cure

How you can help

J&J Designs for a Cure will sell tutus, $25 each, at these events:

• Glen Ellyn Farmer's Market: 8 a.m. to noon May 29, June 5 and June 26 on Main Street, downtown Glen Ellyn

• Glen Ellyn Flea Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30 at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.

Info: jandjdesigns.biz or jandjdesigns@jandjdesigns.biz

Donate

Visit the3Day.org, click on Donate and search for Glen Ellyn Newcomers for a Cure