The Fashion with Compassion Gala is Edmonton’s largest annual event in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House, a “home away from home” for women undergoing cancer treatment in our region. All proceeds from this fashion fundraiser support the home, which has provided shelter to about 1,500 women since it opened in 2002.
The tone of the evening was elegant, friendly & fashionable. Women were dressed in vintage sparkle and sleek cocktail dresses, men in tailored suits and tuxedos. I heard a volunteer who was guiding a lady to the ballroom say “you must be attending Fashion with Compassion, because you look like a million bucks!”
First we enjoyed the cocktail reception, where one could mingle and enjoy free flowing champagne. Guests could support the event by buying goodie bags valued at over $400, bidding on silent auction items, or buying raffle tickets to win a first-class trip to New York, Chicago, or Nashville. And I was just one number off of being a winner - ugh!
Then a glamorous ballroom dimly lit, with round tables dressed in white linen. Wine served at every table with a delicious charcuterie tray to start. Tables of friends, families and businesses. A table of women, currently staying at Sorrentino’s Compassion house. All centered around a magnificent runway.
After a fabulous meal the festivities began. The keynote speaker Jayleen Maclean, was a former Compassion House resident and a breast cancer survivor. Her story, her words, brought silence and tears. Another highlight of this event was the special models walk. Previous guests of Sorrentino’s Compassion House, along with other fellow survivors, take to the stage to represent courage and survival in their shared battle against cancer.
The fashion show that followed was exciting, chic and edgy. There was a mix of designs from local luxury retailers like Simons and Anthropologie, but also featured the work of up-and-coming label UNTTLD, who won third place at New York Fashion Week as emerging designers. The Canadian brand, based in Montreal showed pieces that were both innovative and refined.
It was my first time at the event, there to acknowledge my own battle with breast cancer and to give support to others who are on their own cancer journey. It was a wonderful evening of celebration and hope. An event not to be missed! Well done Fashion for Compassion
--Treasa Webb
Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion
Thursday October 25, 2018
Shaw Conference Center