St. Louis, MO - On Saturday, September 12, celebrity guest Holly Robinson Peete, emcee Guy Phillips of Y98 and a sell-out crowd of more than 550 of St. Louis' most stylish philanthropists converged upon Plaza Frontenac for St. Louis Magazine's sixth annual FEVER Fall Fashion Show, presented by Cadillac. The event successfully raised over $36,000 for Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting autism awareness, raising funds for the fight against the disease, and providing support to all who are affected by the disorder.
"St. Louis Magazine is thrilled with the amount of money we raised for Autism Speaks at this year's FEVER. It exceeded our expectations!" said SLM Publisher Leslie Tunney. "This reminds us how generous and philanthropic the residents of St. Louis are."
Before the Saks Fifth Avenue runway fall fashion show, nine children affected by autism modeled the latest trends in children's clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue. This was a unique opportunity for the guests to see some of the individuals who their donations are impacting, and many guests were spotted in tears! In addition, Y98's Guy Phillips conducted a live auction of six unique items and experiences, including a Shih-Tzu/Bichon mix puppy; a dinner party featured in an upcoming issue of St. Louis AT HOME; designer jewelry from Saks Fifth Avenue, Genovese Jewelers and Ylang-Ylang Fine Jewelry; and a Cardinals experience package complete with owner seats and the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a 2010 season game. The live auction alone raised over $12,000.
"The Saks Fifth Avenue Kids Fashion Show was my personal favorite," said Autism Speaks St. Louis Executive Director Rebecca Fehlig. "It is important to raise money to continue the desperately needed research, but it helps to put some faces to who that research is impacting. And the chance to increase autism awareness to a room of caring and compassionate St. Louisans was priceless. We are so grateful to St. Louis Magazine, the guests and volunteers for their commitment to help Autism Speaks fund autism research, family services, advocacy and awareness in St. Louis."
Guests enjoyed music by Griffin and the Gargoyles, light fare by Bobo Noodles, Brio Tuscan Grille, Butler's Pantry, Chaumette Vineyards and Winery, Colleen's Cookies, Companion, L'Ecole Culinaire and Lucas Park Grille and complimentary beverages from Pearl Vodka and Budweiser Select. A runway fashion show featured fall designer collections from Saks Fifth Avenue.
The event would not have been as successful without the support of many sponsors. St. Louis Magazine's FEVER Fall Fashion Show was presented by Cadillac and sponsored by Budweiser Select, Genovese Jewelers, Expressions Furniture, Pearl Vodka, Plaza Frontenac, Saks Fifth Avenue and Y98.
St. Louis Magazine is the smart, stylish and sophisticated guide to St. Louis. Each month, we bring our readers revealing profiles, discerning dining and cultural guides, in-depth features, informed commentary and authoritative best-of lists. In 2009, St. Louis Magazine celebrates its 15th year of publication. St. Louis Magazine holds six National City and Regional Magazine editorial and design awards.
For more information on St. Louis Magazine's FEVER Fall Fashion Show, please contact Meghan Riley Fritsche at 314.918.3002 or mriley@stlmag.com.
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