An incredible fundraising fashion show was held at the Wachovia Atrium in Charlotte on last Thursday night: the Girls Night Out RMHC (Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte) was truly a sight to behold!
Only in it’s first year in Charlotte, the charity event was sold out to capacity! The reality of a Ronald McDonald House in the Queen City has been long overdue and ladies came out in droves to support it. The theme of the event was “glamour+giving”, something that the entire city can get behind. The idea of a fun reason to go out and enjoy a fashion show and some cocktails was an obvious draw but I met several of the attendees that night and they whispered to me that they themselves had gone through struggles where they wish they had a Ronald McDonald House’s support and some of them even had stayed in one before. Another table of women explained to me that they came because their mother had beaten cancer and they wanted to give thanks for their blessings. Others wanted to check out the fabulous finds at the Silent Auction tables. But after having attended this evening of eye candy, every guest left forever moved by the stories of the Model Mom’s who inspired such a fundraiser.
Brotha Fred from 96.1 The Beat was the evening's M.C.
The event was an enormous undertaking and was passionately lead by a team of women committed to making a huge impact. Choosing the Wachovia Atrium for the site of the party was a bold move to bring in the numbers and public support they needed. Committee Chairpersons, Melissa Klingberg – Silent Auction, Michele Boisvert – Event, Debra Hall – Childress Klein Properties (Wachovia Atrium), Melissa Lamkin – Fashion Show Production + Styling with the aid of assistant Andrea Sylvia, made a massive to do list into a fully actualized couture cocktail party that rivaled New York Fashion Week.
The women of the RMHC committee.
Mona Johnson-Gibson, Executive Director of RMH of Charlotte.
Melissa Lamkin, pictured above with fellow Committee Chairperson and friend Debra Hall, is one of my friend’s whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with on several projects. When she told me about the Girls Night event I only had three words, “I want in!” The Ronald McDonald House charity is something most people know about because of the box at the counter or the drive thru that asks you to leave your spare change. Having the opportunity to give it more of a spotlight through photographs was something that I was very excited about! When I volunteered to help the event with photography I was given the assignment of backstage. Being a former actress/director, I love the energy of the production and the last minute details of hair, makeup, lights and sound. All of the last minute details are what take the event to a new level of excitement for the audience and of course professionalism for the Ronald McDonald House.
Hair stylists were provided by Salon Vivace: Larry Webb, Andrea Early-McNeely, Jennifer Arnold. Melissa’s mother, Robin Lamkin, also lent a hand with her curling iron to make all of the models gorgeous.
Heather Bryson does her "Look" for flawless makeup.
Makeup was provided by Heather Goodall Bryson, of “The Look“. Heather is not only a talented makeup artist but has been a well known event planner in town for years.
Models were provided by: Wilhelmenia/Evolution:
D.J. Partridge
Brittany Hollifield
Darcie Glade
Amy Ingraham
Yandrick Paraison
Kacey
Alyse McDaniel
Anna Wolf
Gemma Williams
Kristin Abernathy
Additional models in the show were Anne-Marie Rhodes, David Kennedy and Ervin Ledbetter.
Time for a last minute pep talk for one of the Model Moms.
Going over last minute details with Brotha Fred.
Sound design and execution was provided by one of Charlotte’s favorite DJs, Vinny Esposito of Split Second Sound. Vinny and his wife Diane have grown their company in Charlotte for years and are known for providing top quality entertainment.
The energy was high and focused backstage pre-show.
Meanwhile, out front, the crowd was getting their fill of delectables and some serious shopping with Silent Auction.
Edibles by Best Impressions Catering.
Best Impressions Catering provided yummy crab cakes, mini loaded potatoes, mini beef tenderloin sandwiches, bite sized crab cakes and more. There was also a bar with specialty drinks like the Ronald’s Razzletini (w/WhyNatte – @whynatteclt)
Yellow Stiletto (w/Vitamin Water Zero) and the Heart of the House Martini.
The models' view. It's showtime!
Finally, it was time to let the show begin. The concept for the show was simple and well thought out. Guests were educated about the needs and benefits of a Ronald McDonald House through professionally done video interviews with each Model Mom. After each woman had a chance to tell her own moving story, and so many were moved to tears, they had the opportunity to strut the Runway in a fabulous outfit styled for them by Melissa and her assistant Andrea. Each Mom looked beautiful and confident and it was so wonderful to see them happy and lifted!
All of the outfits, including shoes and accessories, were donated for use by local shops and artists. The collection was an ecclectic mix of fun and functional summer looks that were classy and oh so pretty! The clothing and accessories were outlined in detail in the program including prices and where to shop for the exact items. I could tell that all of the ladies, and the one gentleman who attended, really appreciated the research.
The A-list of retailers and their looks is listed below.
72 Shoe Boutique
http://www.72shoeboutique.com/
Beadlush
www.Beadlush.com
Bella Bridesmaid
http://www.bellabridesmaid.com/#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=0&a=7&at=0
Bella Ropa
www.Shopbellaropa.com
Black & Blue
http://www.shopblackandblue.com/
Cottage Chic
www.Cottagechicstore.com
Doncaster
http://www.doncastercharlotte.com/
Erin McDermott Jewelry
www.Erinmcdermott.com
Fresh Boutique
Hems & Hers
J.T. Posh
www.Jtposh.com
Kristin Morris
www.Kristinmorrisjewelry.com
Lavendar
http://www.lavendarboutique.com/
On-A-String
http://www.on-a-string.com/
Paul Simon
http://www.paulsimonco.com/
Petal
www.Shoppetal.com
Plume
www.Shopplume.com
Scout & Mollys
www.Scoutandmollyscharlotte.com
Southern Proper
http://www.Southernproper.com
The Pink Hanger
http://www.Pinkhangeronline.com
Twinkle Boutique
http://www.myTwinkleboutique.com
I would say that all of the models and Model Moms seriously worked it!
It was a wonderful evening that provided fun, laughter, great food, fabulous fashion and most importantly…the first Ronald McDonald House for Charlotte, North Carolina! The RMHC still needs your support and more funds to make the house a home for family’s caring for seriously ill children. Please look into ways you can help the Ronald McDonald House and at the very least, leave your spare change in the box next time you order a Happy Meal.
Go to our Facebook page to view more of the fun and fashion from the Girls Night Out RMHC! For another colorful angle of coverage, check out my friend KristinVining’s blog for her “front of the house” perspective and even more vendor recognition.
Congratulations to all who made it possible and to Charlotte for opening the doors to the RMH!
by thecunn1
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