Cantina raises cancer cure funds

Thousands of dollars were raised toward breast cancer research at an awareness event Sunday at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa.

The Chronic Cantina Summer Shades Charity Gala on the top level of the shopping center raised funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.

Event organizers sectioned off the entire upper level of the center’s food court and set up a stage for live band performances and five fashion shows throughout the day, featuring styles from a number of designers including Cynababy swimwear and Volcom.

Optional donations of $5 were taken at the door and additional funds were raised in a raffle with a slew of prizes.

The event, geared toward a young, hip crowd, 21 and older, drew in hundreds between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.

DJ Peter G. kept things hopping in between the bands while the crowds watched the fashion shows and waited for their number to get called in the raffle. A dunk tank off to one side was open for willing volunteers looking to cool off.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at kelly.strodl@latimes.com.