Beverly Hills Goes Pink for a Night!By Marilyn Anderson What's pink and green and full of love? With fantastic food, featured femmes, and fabulous fashions? The Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County 7th Annual "Fashion for the Cure" Gala, held at 2 Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, October 23 rd ! It was an extremely special night for an extremely worthy cause: Komen for the Cure is a leader in breast cancer research, awareness, and education. Their mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find the cures. The evening was highlighted by a "Think Pink and Green" fashion show, featuring Uber Models and the new couture collection of Los Angeles celebrity eco-designer Deborah Lindquist. There was a special guest appearance by actress Mariel Hemingway, who authored the newly published book Healthy Living from the Inside Out: Every Woman's Guide to Beauty, Renewed Energy and Radiant Life. Lizanne Falsetto, international fashion model and CEO of Think Products, was the emcee. But the real stars of the night were twelve Breast Cancer Survivors who modeled designs by Sash, Eco-Centric, Staci, and Not Your Daughter's Jeans. Survivor model Stephanie LaRue wore a "ThinkThinPink Wrapper" dress designed by Lindquist, made from natural nutrition bar wrappers. Each of the survivors received the loving touch of a hair and makeup makeover by Jose Eber and his salon staff for their fashion runway debut. The gala was hosted by the always wonderful, ever popular McCormick & Schmick's ~ A Pacific Seafood Grill, which offered an array of delicious treasures from the sea, including oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, stone crab claws, ahi, albacore, and tako sashimi and ceviche. Add to that, lobster pot stickers, salmon skewers, vegetarian spring rolls and other healthy, fresh organic appetizers, all presented by McCormick & Schmick's Executive Chef David Iino. And what's a party without desserts: heavenly treats like brownie bites, key lime squares, mini brulee, and passion-fruit mousse cups! To go with the tasty cuisine, cocktails were flowing, and a special wine tasting was hosted by Agua Dulce Vineyards. Live music was provided by Jones, and tunes continued through the night with DJ C-Note spinning. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction and a live auction, where they bid on fantastic items, including vacation packages to the Fairmont Kea Lani in Hawaii, the Wynn Las Vegas, a Colorado Ski Package, and Golf at Pebble Beach. Komen for the Cure's featured artist, Phil Barnes, who lost his grandmother to breast cancer, painted "One Love," a 6' x 6' acrylic on canvas specifically for Komen's Fashion for the Cure. "One Love" was auctioned off at the event, and represented the victorious, healing, yet feminine essence of those affected by breast cancer. All proceeds from the evening benefited The Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker in honor of her sister Susan, the organization is the world's largest private funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Everyone is invited to save the date for the Komen Race for the Cure in the Los Angeles area on Saturday March 15, 2008. For more information on Komen for the Cure, contact the Los Angeles County affiliate at 626-577-2700, or go to www.komenlacounty.org. And for great seafood any day or night: McCormick & Schmick's ~ A Pacific Seafood Grill |
