Who: Divas, fashionistas, and friends of the Angel Foundation
What: Angels & Divas
Where: The Saint Paul Hotel
When: October 5, 2011
Why: To support the Angel Foundation, an organization that provides education and financial assistance to adults who have cancer.
Angels & Divas is my kind of event. First, I’m never one to turn down a fashion show. Second, the event supports the Angel Foundation, which helps adults with cancer and their families. This hit close to home, because several of my family members—including my dad, aunt, and grandpa—were diagnosed with cancer. The event’s theme was “making a difference with style,” and that is something I can get behind.
Guests kicked off the event by sipping wine and sampling a variety of appetizers, from fine cheeses to mini-salads. I saw women of all ages in stylish duds, from tailored blazers to long-sleeved dresses. I introduced myself to Margie Sborov, founder of the Angel Foundation, and I chatted briefly with Vicki Stute, the organization’s president.After the cocktail hour, we made our way into the ballroom and to take our seats along the runway. Woody Theis from Juut Salonspa gave us an overview of fall hair and makeup trends. I learned that bangs are in, chunky highlights are out, and cherry red is the bold lip color for fall.
Then it was time for the fashion show. Models walked the runway in styles from La Rue Marche', Cynthia Rae, and Hammer-Made. There were plenty of ’60s- and ’70s-inspired fashions, including maxi dresses, faux fur, and jewel tones. The clothing was eye-catching, but the models stole the show. The guys played up the mostly-female audience by strutting, posing, and shaking their booties. In addition, a dozen cancer survivors graced the catwalk, reminding us what the event was all about.
Juut founder, author, and cancer survivor David Wagner closed the night with his personal story. He encouraged us to be “daymakers” by doing at least one thing per day to make someone else happy. I left The Saint Paul Hotel eager to spread some good karma around the Twin Cities. To say that Angels & Divas was an uplifting event would be an understatement.
