On Saturday, November 20, 2010, Beachwood Place ushered in the beginning of the holiday season with their second annual fashion event, Compassion from Fashion.
The event benefited The Gathering Place, a support center providing free programs and services to individuals and families affected by cancer. Forty-two of the mall’s retail stores offered discounts and promotions in conjunction with the benefit.
The event kicked off at 4 p.m. with attendees being greeted upon entrance to the mall by volunteers. Each attendee was given a wrist band which entitled them to the various discounts as well as ample refreshments provided throughout the mall.
Shoppers with blue wrist bands could be seen toting numerous bags, evidence of discounts well used. They were also spotted sipping coffee or nibbling on fruit and desserts at roped-off tables intended for a well-deserved break from shopping.
As 7 p.m. approached, the crowds convened at the center of the mall for the benefit’s main event, the fashion show. Desiray McCray of WDOK 102.1 and Tim Richards of WQAL 104.1 were celebrity emcees for the evening. The crowd greeted their entrance with much enthusiam.
Kicking off the show were celebrity models of various local fame: Maureen Kyle, morning anchor for WKYC Channel 3; Coleen Skeabeck, Fan Favorite from “Biggest Loser: Families”; Carrie Young, Host of WKYC’s “Flash Mob”; and Kathleen Cochrane, former Fox 8 reporter. Their charisma loosened the crowd and warmed them up for the cancer survivor models: Priscilla Dann, Frank Godie, Charlana McKenzie, Jan Nowac, Bruce Schaffer, April Smith, Alique Topalian and Debbie Warnock. The joy that eminated from the beneficiaries of the evening elicited warm applause and cheers of encouragement from the crowd.
In addition to the celebrity and survivor models, professional models strutted down the runway displaying fashions from Gap, Eddie Bauer, Dillard’s, Cache, Chico’s, Maxx Studio, True Religion, Bebe, Saks, Guess and Guess by Marciano. The looks ranged from cocktail dresses to men’s fishermen’s sweater. The eclectic ensembles were versatile and relevant to the Cleveland lifestyle.
In attendance were Joe and Lindi Maichrye of Fairview Paark, who won tickets to the event for the second year in a row from WQAL 104.1. Exuberant over chatting with Tim Richards, Lindi expressed pleasant surprise over the wearability of the featured clothing. Even Joe, who had never been to a fashion show, admitted, “I actually enjoyed it.”
While those who donated to the event were gathered in a VIP section with passed hors d’oeuvres and beverage bar, regular shoppers were able to enjoy the show from various vantage points including the escalator and the second floor gallery while they shopped. As the music pumped through the building, the 2010 holiday season kicked off in style.
The Gathering Place has locations in Beachwood and Westlake. More information can be fond at www.touchedbycancer.org.
