The Austin community has been very generous in supporting all the local non-profits. It was easy to see the altruism in action when I attended the Austin Children’s Shelter event at the Saks Fifth Avenue, Passion for Compassion fashion show and auction.The fashion event originally started in 2000 with nationally known designers showing their collections at a gala. The affair was complete with dinner, dancing and an auction.
One year Badgley Mischka designs were shown and another Zac Posen’s collection was featured. The models were some of Austin’s most prominent VIPs. They strutted down the runway in Spring’s newest looks from all the top-name designers. Of course there were more than a few audience members who could have easily hopped onstage in their designer duds.The auction gave attendees the opportunity to win exciting prizes while donating to a worthwhile cause. One package that was of particular interest was the New York Fashion Week experience. It sold for more than $15,000!!
“We are so pleased with our fifth annual Fashion for Compassion results and the incredible support we had this year,” said Carmine Salvucci, chief development officer for the Austin Children’s Shelter. “We celebrated with a record-breaking 400 people including 62 prominent local family models! And thanks to the generous support of Mercedes-Benz of Austin, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Cain Foundation and so many others, we more than doubled our sponsorships and ticket sales this year! This will provide critical support for the physical, mental health and other needs of the abused and neglected children in our care.”
Raising money for underprivileged children and looking fabulous doing it, that is what Fashion for Compassion is all about.