San Marino Junior Alliance hosted a special runway fashion show and cocktail party to raise funds for a Pasadena women’s charity.
Casa de Style, featuring stylist Mark-Alan Harmon, had approximately 120 attendees on Thursday, April 28 at a private residence in San Marino.
“We had a lot of community support,” event chairwoman Karen Wicke said. “That was really nice. It was vibrant and there was a lot of energy. We had a really fun program.”
“The fashion show was made up of some of my favorite brands,” Harmon said. “Each look was compiled using those brands.”
He said vendors provided him with clothing that he assembled into 36 looks that were shown on 12 different professional models.
“The looks were all about being chic and practical,” Harmon said.
The pop-up boutique featured clothing and accessories from Theory Beverly Hills, Calypso, Bailey 44, Wolford and Calleen Cordero. It remained open the following day, as well. Thirty percent of the proceeds went to Casa.
Harmon said guests rushed inside to purchase clothing items after the fashion show. There were raffles and silent auction at the event, as well.
“We have seen success from all aspects of the fundraiser,” Wicke said.
San Marino Junior Alliance is a local social organization that raises money for Casa, which is a residential alcohol and substance abuse treatment center for women.
“It’s an inspirational place and we’re thrilled to support it,” Wicke said.
She said she appreciates that Casa has such a complete program for women.
“Many alcoholics or drug addicts have other problems, like they were raised in an abusive household or they’re in an abusive relationship, or they’re bulimic,” Wicke said. “Casa is able to address all of their problems.”
San Marino Junior Alliance was formed approximately 40 years ago.
“We’re really small,” Wicke said. “There are only about 40 active members.”
It holds monthly meeting and offers numerous programs, such a cooking demonstrations and chocolate tastings, for its members.
“We put on an annual Christmas party for the ladies of Casa,” Wicke said. “We buy them a Christmas tree. We have a party and make all of the ornaments for the tree with the women. We decorate the tree and bring presents for them.”
Anyone wishing to learn more about San Marino Junior Alliance may contact Justene Pierce, SMJA president at justenepierce@yahoo.com.
