Get bronze to give gold

The public is invited on Sunday to an event at Unique Tan called Bronze for a Cause, a fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man of the Year nominee Ben Medina.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) hosts annual nominations and awards for Man and Woman of the Year in their different chapters. Medina is one of 13 nominees in the area.

Unique Tan Owner Sherry Lee Meredith heard about Medina's nomination on Facebook and wanted to help him raise funds for his campaign. She's donating 100% of her proceeds Sunday to his campaign.

"I just want to do anything that we could do to help," Meredith said. "LLS is a wonderful cause. I think he deserves the Man of Year award."

There will also be a raffle. Tickets are $1 and Meredith said patrons should be prepared for some fun prizes.

Medina, a San Clemente resident and owner of Friendly Computers, is excited about his opportunity to raise money for the nonprofit and blood cancer research.

He knows two past nominees: Nicole Chambers and "The Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Gretchen Rossi.

"Following in the footsteps of two great women doing great work was really inspiring," he said.

He's excited about Sunday's fundraiser and the chance to mingle with donors in Laguna Beach.

"Bronze for a Cause … that's such a great slogan," he said with a laugh. "I'm really excited to hit the pavement in Laguna Beach."

Medina said Wahoo's Fish Taco across the street has agreed to donate 20% of its proceeds Sunday to his campaign.

The 25-year-old business owner has plenty of events planned to raise money for LLS.

In the next month, he has two comedy shows at the Hills Hotel in Laguna Hills. Mission Viejo is donating the proceeds from its April 9 Wine & Jazz Festival to his campaign. He also has a Cinco de Mayo yacht cruise and the Golf Ball Drop in San Clemente in the future.

It's a blind fundraiser, so Medina can't reveal how much he aims to raise, but he did say it's a substantial amount.

Last year's winner, Evelyn Erives, raised more than $61,000 for the charity.

For more information about Medina's fundraising efforts, visit Facebook.com/benfightscancer.

If You Go

What: Bronze for a Cause

Where: Unique Tan at 1100 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Contact: (949) 709-8320 or visit http://www.uniquetan.com