Charity was the theme at the 2013 Hearts for Hope Celebrity Fashion Show.

Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, the event raised over $45,000 to benefit the residents of the Hope Gardens Family Center  (HGFC)– a residential community for women who had previously been homeless, maintained by the Union Rescue Mission.

With over three hundred guests in attendance, the day started off with a shopping boutique and silent auction, with proceeds going towards HGFC.

Items available included clothing and jewelry and also luxury items such as vacations to St. Lucia and Jamaica. There were also rare items like a signed “Mad Men” pilot script and a basketball signed by Steve Nash.

Actress Alana Stewart, ex-wife of rocker Rod Stewart, was also in attendance and donated signed copies of her memoir for the charity. She also gave a brief talk about her family and giving back during lunch.

Following the boutique, the luncheon part of the day began. During this time, guests moved to the ballroom and heard words from various committee members and the CEO of Union Rescue Mission, Rev. Andy Bales.

Dr. Paulette Melina, the Mental Health Director at HGFC spoke about the importance of giving to the women at HGFC. “We do this from our heart. We love and care about the clients.

Emcees Vanessa Curry and Sam Sarpong also entertained the audience by keeping things lively and with jokes.

One of the highlights of the day was when one of the HGFC residents, Keisha Dottie, came on stage to perform comedy.

Ms. Dottie was previously a public school teacher in the area but lost her job some years ago. She came to HGFC and was given a place to stay and help to look for a new job. Now, Ms. Dottie is re-employed as a public school teacher.

It was great to see her being so positive and having a good time on stage. There was also a full table of HGFC residents who were in attendance and the entire ballroom gave them a round of applause.

Next, there was time to give cash donations and a live auction. During the donation period, guests were very generous – I lost count keeping track of how many people were raising their paddles to make a donation! There were nine donation levels ranging from the highest, $5,833 which could sustain a family at HGFC for a month to $70. 

Hearts for Service Awards, given to those who have had an impact on helping people who are experiencing homelessness, was given to both Nestle USA (represented by Steve Lynch) and production designer Bente Christensen/Get ‘Er Done Team.

A little after 1pm, the fashion show commenced. It featured the Spring collection from designers VINCE and Rebecca Taylor, worn by both male and female models on the runway.

 

After a raffle where prizes included $1000 cash and an iPad mini, all guests were given swag bags to take home with them with items from celebrity skincare line Gingi, Nestle, Herbalife, Lisa Hilton, VINCE and Rebecca Taylor.

Over $45,000 were raised at the fashion show and live donation.

 

Reach Staff Reporter Keanna Harper here.