While there are many fashion shows in Chattanooga each year, the annual Breast Cancer Network of Strength Fashion Show is the only one that both benefits and “stars” local breast cancer survivors. This year’s fashion show and silent auction is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Convention Center Ballroom.

The 2008 fashion show, themed “Silver Lining,” will begin at 2 p.m. and feature 28 local breast cancer survivors as models.

Several area boutiques, Susanna’s, Yacoubian Tailors, Jonesy’s Upstairs, Frankie and Julian’s and Ciao Bella, will be showcasing the latest fall fashions from petite to plus size.

The 5th annual Network of Strength fashion show and silent auction is expected to draw more than 900 attendees. The annual event serves as a major fundraiser for Network of Strength (formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization) whose mission is to provide information, empowerment and peer support to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.

“This unique event celebrates more than the latest fashions,” said Network of Strength Executive Director Lynda Levan. “Each year we celebrate the lives of area breast cancer survivors. Every model has a special story about her experience and as she walks down the runway, her own words of how she has found “the silver lining” after breast cancer are read to the audience,” Mrs. Levan explained. Previous models have included well-known Chattanoogans, including former Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd, Butch Mills, Elaine Hill and Leonard Fant, the first male breast cancer model, who strutted his stuff at the 2007 fashion show.

Hundreds of silent auction items will also be available, including travel and sporting packages, gift certificates, holiday items, jewelry, pottery, golf lessons, accessories, cookware, art, floral arrangements, a portrait sitting, top shelf wine and champagne, gifts for children and teens, and music lessons.

Sponsors of the 2008 “Silver Lining” event are radiologist Dr. Frank Knight, the Erlanger Health System, USIG, Unum, MaryEllen Locher Breast Center, and Dr. Gloria Butler.

Early bird tickets are available at $40 per individual or $320 per table; after October 1, tickets are $45 per person or $360 per table.

For ticket information or opportunities to get involved, as a volunteer or sponsor, call 622-4454 or check out www.networkofstrength.org/chattanooga.