The Alternative Press

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - Elizabeth Fleming plans to ask hundreds of people to go topless in public on Saturday.

Fleming, a professional photographer from Maplewood, is donating her time and services to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey breast cancer awareness event “Undress for Success” on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Floods Hill in South Orange.

Fleming will photograph all participants, men and women age 18 and older, in a group photo to help spread the message “Less Talk, More Action.” The photo shoot is scheduled from 9-10:30 a.m. at 70 N. Ridgewood Road, where women in the photo will wear white bras and men will be dressed in white tank tops.

“I think it’s wonderful to have an event that creates a sense of camaraderie and encourages women and men to gather in support of an important cause,” Fleming said.

Fleming was asked to take part in the event by her friend, and designer of the event, Lori Dalvi of South Orange, and said she was happy to be able to help.

“My vision is to show just how many people out there care about this issue and are willing to come out and show that support -- no pun intended,” Fleming said. Fleming said that her plan in taking the photo is to convey what she hopes will be a sense of excitement and group energy.

“The logistics of getting so many people arranged in a visually organized manner is the main aspect that I haven’t worked with before, but I’m confident that the group heading up the event and I will be able to organize everyone so that it will be a pleasing image,” Fleming said.

The photos will be black and white, with the women’s bras later tinted pink for female breast cancer, while the men’s tank tops will be tinted blue for male breast cancer, Dalvi said. The proceeds from selling the photos will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey Affiliate.

Dalvi said she and two friends designed the event to be a more fun and interesting way to bring attention to breast cancer and encourage both men and women to remain aware. 

Fleming said if she were not behind the lens, she be out there in a heartbeat to participate in the “Undress for Success” photograph.

Dalvi said they needed an event permit in order to host the “Undress for Success” event in South Orange.  Trustee Nancy Gould said the trustees on the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee, including Mark Rosner and Deborah Davis Ford, discussed the event and were all very supportive. Village Administrator John Gross gave the final approval for the event, Gould said.

Gould has expressed some concerns regarding members of the public who might not know about the event and view the participants in their attire for the photo shoot but still is supportive of the event.

“I think this is a wonderful event and I am delighted that South Orange is the location of this photo shoot, but I can understand that there may be residents who might find it offensive and may want to avoid Floods Hill on Saturday morning,” Gould said.

Fleming said she doesn’t believe there is anything inherently wrong with a gathering that is obviously meant to be in support of breast cancer awareness, and that women are often seen on beaches all the time in less, although a bra is technically not the same as a bikini.

“If any children happen to come across the event as it is taking place, I hope that a parent would be able to explain what’s going on in a sensitive and understanding manner,” Fleming said.

Dalvi has worked with Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey since 2009, and said that she is trying to see a change, since breast cancer has affected family and friends. After her adopted mother passed away from the cancer in 2009, she started the team “SOMA Gals” in 2010 for the Race for the Cure 5K run/walk. Race for the Cure will take place this spring on May 6, 2012.

Gould addressed the event’s message of “Less Talk, More Action.”

“With breast cancer rates in women at one in eight, and countless men diagnosed with the disease, more action is needed in the fight against breast cancer,” Gould said.  “I truly hope that Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey is hugely successful with this unique fundraising event.”

All participants must be at least 18 years old and are required to sign a waiver before being photographed. Photos can be purchased at $25 for an 8.5” x 11”, and $40 for an 11” x 14”. For more information, visit komennorthjersey.org or email undressforsuccess@komennorthjersey.org to RSVP to participate.