Monique Salez
Monday Magazine contributor
You can expect an elevated fashion show when Cherish: A Glamorous Evening of Fashion and Philanthropy takes the clothes for a spin on the dance floor Oct. 4.
Sixteen dancers from diverse genres are set to groove down the runway in swag by Tulipe Noir, Hughs Clothing and Outlooks for Men, with hair and make-up by Carreiro Studio.
This latest incarnation of Cherish is a collaboration between Dance Victoria and Victoria Women’s Transition House, who found each other via Susan Howard, a board member with the former and the development director for the latter organization.
“We both love the collaboration and the fun of the event,” Howard says. “We think that an event like Cherish with two organizations – human services partnering with a performing arts organization – is reflective of a healthy community that values both social supports for vulnerable individuals, and cultural enrichment through the beauty of dance.”
Stephen White, producer of Dance Victoria, acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work being done to pull this fundraiser off.
“The community that comes together to create this event, even before the night of, is awesome,” he says.
Among those working to bring the event to fruition are the tireless Kari McKlay of Tulipe Noir, who planted the seed of having dancers as models; Lynda Raino, who suggested they dance down the runway and is organizing the talent; and Kirsty Thomson at Willow Wealth Management of Raymond James, who provided the financial commitment.
Last year’s sold-out event at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was such a blast they have moved to the Crystal Ballroom at the Empress. Canape’s in the Palm Court anyone? Well, actually, only for those who already have their tickets because spoiler alert … this year is already sold out!
The good news is you can still donate to both of these generous local organizations. And in case you want to be that person in the hall who just happens to be walking the cushy carpets of The Empress to get a peek at the party, it happens Oct. 4 at 6:45 p.m.