24th Annual “Women Helping Women” Luncheon and Fashion Show

Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) presents the 24th Annual “Women Helping Women” Luncheon and Fashion Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at the Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Dr., Rochester. The event will showcase the hottest spring fashion trends from some of the most notable and glamorous designers. Tickets are $110 per person and include a silent auction preview, luncheon and fashion show. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Program at GCH.

“For 24 years, our annual luncheon and fashion show has given us a tremendous opportunity to spotlight our ongoing work in our Women’s Program to support women who are addicted, abused or faced with homelessness,” said GCH CEO Pastor Kent W. Clark. “We know it takes a community to truly make a difference in the lives of these individuals and we’re truly grateful for everyone who supports our nonprofit organization and this meaningful event. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The designers featured at this year’s fashion show include: Anne Fontaine, a Paris-based fashion designer whose ready-to-wear brand is sold in 60 retail shops around the world; Christiane LaRue, a Michigan-based brand created by Bonnie Foley whose unique approach to design fulfills a true need for women looking for wearable, sophisticated and flattering clothing; and Lilly Pulitzer, a fashion sensation and creator of authentic American sports resort wear, who for more than 60 years continues to create authentic printed styles.

Wardrobe and accessories also will be featured from fashion retailers: J. McLaughlin, an American sportswear brand with a focus on excellence in design; Max Mara, a storied Italian fashion house and luxury brand that is best known for creating the kind of outerwear that women hold onto for decades; Dolce Moda, which is known for its extensive selection of fashion-forward merchandise for men and offers its customers tomorrow’s top trends; Hats by Simply Marcella, a chic boutique and hat vendor located in downtown Lake Orion whose selections will be showcased on the runway and in the silent auction; and Saks Fifth Avenue, a world renown luxury department store.

“A very special moment at every fashion show are the Grace Centers of Hope women models who are proud to strut down the runway – right alongside the professional models – and celebrate how far they’ve come with their individual recoveries,” said Clark. “We’re thrilled to give them this moment and help them recognize how beautiful they are and supported by every single person in the room.”

“Women Helping Women” begins with a silent auction preview featuring a variety of dining, entertainment and lifestyle experience items, including a one-year membership valued at more than $2,000 to Pushna Wellness in Lake Orion. The silent auction and raffles are followed by a delicious luncheon and high-energy fashion show hosted by the vivacious Cheryl Hall Lindsay of RGA Model Management.

FOX2 co-anchor Amy Andrews will serve as this year’s mistress of ceremonies. For more than 10 years, Andrews has been empowering viewers from the anchor desk and is consistently out in the community making a difference. She is involved with a number of local nonprofits, including Gleaners Community Food Bank, C.A.T.C.H Children's Charity, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association, and Angels of Hope. Additionally, Andrews created the FOX2’s Amy’s Angels franchise to highlight those making a difference in their communities and beyond.

GCH offers a comprehensive range of programs and services to help individuals and families overcome issues of homelessness, addiction, neglect, poverty, and spiritual emptiness. To achieve these outcomes, it incorporates the Gospel of Jesus Christ, personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs. The nonprofit’s $7.5 million annual budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors. It does not accept any government assistance.

GCH programs include: One-Year Life Skills Program for men and women – daily classes, individual case management, group case management, routines to develop workplace skills, financial planning; After Care Program – allows graduates of the One-Year program to remain connected to GCH and receive ongoing support by living in Little Grace Village, a drug-free, healthy Christian community consisting of more than 50 homes in downtown Pontiac; Children’s Program – provides parents with FREE pre-school and infant care at the Hands of Hope Childcare Center for their children while they are participating in programs and working to improve their lives; and the Career and Education Center — offers a variety of classes such as GED prep courses, career search workshops, financial planning, and more.

The Women Helping Women Couture Sponsors are Volkswagen and Believers in Hope. Vogue Sponsors include Wilshire Benefits, Royal Roofing, and Ameriprise Financial (Glidden and Kreitsch Wealth Management). Trendsetter Sponsors are United Wholesale Mortgage, Coretek Services, Emerald City, and Denise Warren. Runway Sponsors are Joslyn Chiropractic, The Finch, Hello Fancy Boutique, Brightview, F.D.M. Contacting, Inc., The Linda Rea Team A Real Estate One, Modetz Funeral Home, Dillman & Upton, Fort Street Dentistry, Blue Cross Complete Michigan, RGA, Live Life Now, Besh Business Services, Richard's & Swift Roofing, and Valerie Johnson. Hair and makeup are provided by Hart & Harlow Salon in Royal Oak.

For more information about Women Helping Women or to purchase tickets visit www.gracecentersofhope.org. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact GCH Special Events Coordinator April Melik at 248-334-2187 or via email at amelik@gracecentersofhope.org.