The Art of Fashion and Strut for Sobriety runway shows raise funds for charities

The Art of Fashion outdoor runway show and luncheon was presented at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Sept. 12. This year, the honorary chair was philanthropist Joan Waitt, who supports many charities such as Promises2Kids, Family Justice Center, Becky’s House, and Rady Children’s Hospital. The co-chairs of this amazing event were Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman. Sandra Maas was the emcee.

This year was particularly special as it marked the 70th anniversary of the event. This is a significant milestone in giving back to the community. It was the 20th year of a partnership with South Coast Plaza, renowned for its international designers and retailers. They brought their fall-winter collections to create this sensational event. After the show, the guests dined on the lawn and finished the picture-perfect day with a “Sip, Shop, and Support.”

Country Friends raises funds for designated charities and operates a consignment shop led by executive director Yvette Letourneau and a team of volunteers. For a list of all their upcoming fundraising events, visit http://thecountryfriends.org/.

STRUT FOR SOBRIETY!

“Strut for Sobriety!” was presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing) on Sept. 21 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. This recovery awareness event coincides with National Recovery Month, which promotes recovery from substance use disorder and celebrates those who have overcome it.

Master of ceremonies Geni Cavitt and Rory Devine handed out the 2024 Visionary Leadership Award to Gretchen Burns Bergman, co-founder and executive director of A New PATH. For 25 years she has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with substance use. She has testified, debated, and spoken out at the state capital in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., the United Nations, and numerous other organizations.

This wonderful event was co-chaired by Liz Croker and Judy Lawton. It featured a boutique, luncheon, awards ceremony, and theatrical fashion show by Gretchen Productions featuring local boutiques and Macy’s Fashion Valley. The honorary chair was Dr. Nasrin Mani and the 2024 PATH to Recovery honorees were Pierre Alexander and April Ella. Alexander created a rap song for the event about giving something back and Ella has been the director of operations for A New PATH and program manager for the Naloxone Training and Distribution Program. The afternoon had a fabulous live auction by the talented Erin Liddell. For more information, visit anewpath.org or momsunited.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Oct. 19 – Fine Fall Fashions at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Escondido from 2-4:30 p.m. Proceeds for this fashion show and tea go to Escondido Education Foundation. For tickets: https://bit.ly/3BcHcsR.

Sunday, Oct. 20 – “Mad Hatter’s Fashionable Tea Party” at the Mission Beach Women’s Club at 2 p.m. celebrating Leana, the 2024 Make-A-Wish kid. Kenneth Barlis will be the featured fashion designer. This fashion With a passion benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. For tickets visit: https://bit.ly/4gT6sEG.

Monday, Oct. 21 – Red, White, and Blue on the Runway presented by the Women’s Museum of California. This luncheon and book talk by Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will cover the 1968 White House fashion show and politics of American style. For tickets: https://bit.ly/4gSpVW5.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at www.dianacavagnaro.com.