RED BANK: THIS TIME, ELECT TO GO NAKED

Models make their way through the crowds at the inaugural Go Naked and Check Yourself awareness-raiser in 2011. This year’s edition takes place Sunday. (Click to enlarge)

By REBECCA DESFOSSE

The presidential race may be over, but there’s still one more election this month: Elect to Check, the theme for this year’s Go Naked and Check Yourself cancer fundraiser and awareness raiser.

Red Bank’s Sugarush cupcakes and Sweetest Sin lingerie have teamed up again for the second edition of this popular and slightly risqué event that helps build awareness about detectable cancers.

The soiree is slated for Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Teak Asian Fusion Restaurant, on Monmouth Street. There will be food, cocktails, and – of course – cupcakes.

In the highlight of the evening, models will partake in a barely-there fashion show, wearing less clothing with each trip down the runway. They will end with the men in boxers and the women in bras and panties (no, not what you were thinking).

Let the hubby or wife rest assured, though – it’s all for educational purposes, as well as charity. Experts, including Lisa Frank, the president of the Young Survival Coalition, and motivational speaker and cancer survivor DonnaLyn Giegerich will be on hand to offer prevention tips and answer questions about skin, breast and testicular cancers.

The event has significant meaning to Sugarush owner, Chris Equality Paseka. His mother is a breast cancer survivor and his father is currently battling bladder cancer. Paseka tells redbankgreen he doesn’t want people to be embarrassed to check themselves.

“If one person doesn’t laugh at the name and actually checks himself, goes to the doctor, and catches something early, it would be amazing,” he says. “If some silly event could save someone’s life, it would mean the world to me.”

All ticket sales of the event go directly to charity. This year, in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Project Rebuild and Recover/Move For Hunger to help those at the shore in need. A food drive will also be held.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. A limited number of $500 VIP tables are also available.

For more information, contact Chris Paseka at Sugarush, 732-414-9044 or Angela Courtney at Sweetest Sin Boutique at 732-747-3550. And to see a slideshow of photos from last year’s event, take it here.