I do matter and I am who I am.

I learned a big time lesson last night. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with anxiety trying to impress people in the scene. I let it get to me in till the point that it hurts my performance with stage fright. Why doesn't this person like me? What happens if I don't do a good job in front of them? If they don't like my dancing, my concept, my costume, my quirkiness, my body type, my level of "sexy"?

Last night I did a number that was fun and pretty while donning a unibrow. I selected a song that made me happy and I danced like I have never danced before. I relaxed before the show and I didn't get self consumed with the thought of what people would think when they saw the pictures or if they happened to be in the audience. The audience loved the number and I did too. And that-that is what matters most. My feelings and the people paying for their ticket to watch the show. These people who I hear tell who the best is, who the really sexy ones are, who the most talented are-well they aren't my audience. There is no winning over the people who are so self involved in themselves, that I will never be on their radar. They are always going to motivated in their agenda and I am simply not invited in their eyes to be on their road map to the top. There is no winning burlesque. There is no being the best "it" girl. But there is being the best Pepper that I can be. Who is Pepper? Well Pepper is the bouncy,happy performer who gets too excited, is delightfully awkward with a plus sized body that likes shiny things, big lashes and will probably never be one of the cool kids. Finally, that is ok with me.

An Evening of Beastie Boys Burlesque, a fundraiser for Making Strides of the American Cancer Society

Hello,

My name is Pepper Mills and I am a local burlesque performer and producer. I am producing “An Evening of Beastie Boys Burlesque" at the White Rabbit Cabaret on February 16, 2013. This event will be a fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the American Cancer Society.

Why is this fundraiser so important to me? On July 9, 2011, I lost my father after a two year battle with cancer. When I was growing up, a love of music was shared between my father and me. I have many fond me memories of us enjoying many groups, including the Beastie Boys. When MCA of the Beastie Boys passed earlier this year after his own battle of cancer, it really hit home with my personal loss. I decided to hold this event in honor of my father in hopes that someone who is currently fighting their own battle will continue to receive any assistance that they need to beat this horrible disease.

This is the first event of the breast cancer fundraising season in addition to being the first burlesque event fully backed by the American Cancer Society. Please consider helping us make history.

My team of volunteers and I will be hosting a silent auction during this event and we are currently excepting donations. All companies providing donations will be listed as a sponsor during the event and in social media marketing program. Our wish list would include products that we could package in a basket, services (spa, hair, tanning, massage, etc) and special event parties (wine tastings, dinners, etc).

What does Making Strides do?

One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for help and support. We are in every community providing free information and services when and where people need it. If you need someone to talk with at 3 a.m. (or any other time of the day or night), we’re here. If your friend is losing her hair because of chemo, your mother needs a ride to treatment, or if a loved one needs a place to stay while in treatment away from home, we are the ones who can help.

·Transportation assistance to and from treatment.

·Free lodging for those having to travel far for treatment.

·Workshops that teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help deal with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

·Emotional support programs that connect newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors.

·Cancer education classes.

·An online cancer survivor’s support network.

·Plus, information from a trained Cancer Information Specialist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling1-800-227-2345.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

:)