Written By Lisa Breslin

Before the doors even opened for the FreeStyle Hair Ball on Friday, Oct. 28, the event had garnered $33,000. By the time Martin’s Westminster closed for the back tie affair, organizers had raised more than $52,000 for the Stacey Davis Breast Cancer Fund – a fund inspired by a woman who lost a courageous battle with cancer three years ago, but won the admiration of friends and family that will live forever.

More than 460 guests danced, dined and bid on 100 Silent Auction items from 8:30 p.m. until midnight. The crowd was an eclectic mix of hairstylists, beauticians and the Who’s Who of Westminster.

Throughout the evening, guests shared fond memories of Stacey Davis, a loving mother who remained active in her children’s schools, her church and her neighborhood until days before she died.

“Stacey was once the Homecoming Queen at Westminster High School, and then she became the mom who planned the 60-children Easter egg hunts and the Christmas caroling in the neighborhood,” said Aaron Davis, her widower.

“She radiated energy; she radiated spirit. Whether she was with children or the elderly, she lit up and she lit them up,” said friend Dawn DeMario, who set the wheels in motion for the event.

Barbara Guthrie helped with publicity for the group. In addition to DeMario and Guthrie, committee members included: Carla Carpenter, Aaron and Jenny Davis, Courtney Porter, Marisa Miller, Dana Twardowski, Judith DeStafane, Kelly Hartnett, Susan Martin, Joanne and Lynn Rill, Peggy Markovic, and Kim Hinton.

The purpose of the Stacey Davis Breast Cancer Fund is to perpetuate the character, ideals and goals of Stacey Davis by providing financial resources to breast cancer patients in Carroll County who are in need of assistance.

The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Carroll County. For information and grant applications, contact Audrey S. Cimino, executive director; www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org