This weekend in Los Angeles nearly 1,000 people, most of them in their underwear, ran 10k or walked 5k to raise funds and awareness of cancers below the waist at the first "Underwear Affair" presented by Jockey International, Inc.

The August 2 event was the first of its kind in the U.S., and has been a popular event in major Canadian markets for

"There's a great connection for Jockey and the Underwear Affair," said Mo Moorman, public relations director for Jockey International. "Cancers below the waist affect several thousands of men and women every year, but no one is talking about it. Jockey wants to do something about that. Also, the free spirit of Underwear Affair fits the Jockey brand perfectly: Jockey wants you to Feel Free and be yourself, and there were nearly a thousand people out here today doing just that!"

Funds raised by the event go to City of Hope, one of the nation's leading cancer research and treatment hospital systems.

Event participants enjoyed free underwear from Jockey, interacted with Jockey's "Und-o-matic" - the world's first and only underwear detector, and even took part in costume contests with prizing provided by Jockey and other event sponsors.

08/04/08