WINGS fashion show fundraiser helps abuse survivors “BLOSSOM”

From beginning to end and top to bottom, WINGS Program’s debut fundraiser “BLOSSOM” was a hit with an SRO crowd at the chic 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. Held on Thursday, April 25, the fashion show supported WINGS programming for domestic violence survivors and provided an inspirational evening for all who attended.

The event was created by Tracey Mayer, WINGS Development Consultant and domestic violence survivor, with so many moving parts, each one a success. She brought in the handsome Nigel Barker, renowned photographer and longtime judge/photog on “America’s Next Top Model,” as emcee; Elaine Dame, a popular jazz singer; ZZAZZ Productions (who always provides its A game on the runway); and, of course, spectacular fashions by the much-loved local designer Elda de la Rosa. Survivors Maudell Gaines, Melissa DuPrey, and Tracey Mayer walked the runway to wild applause as Nigel shared their remarkable survivor stories from the podium.

Tracey secured great press to promote BLOSSOM too, having the team appear on Fox-32 Chicago with Sylvia Perez and WGN-TV’s “Daytime Chicago” with Amy Rutledge and Tonya Francisco, among others. A fabulous kick-off party was graciously hosted by Veronica Beard at their store on Walton St. too in advance of the event. Just like Harry Potter, there wasn’t a sole in the city who didn’t know its name.

The night of the event, you could feel the crackle of excitement in the air. Even the weather cooperated. The artwork spread out across this fabulous hotel provided a beautiful backdrop for photos and mixing and mingling. A bar was set up in the VIP area as well as outside the room where the event took place. Champagne flowed as guests perused a silent auction. Greg Hyder had generously donated a stunning piece of his original artwork personalized on the back, “Wings of Love,” and painted in the charity’s signature colors.

Before the runway presentation, guests meandered throughout the many rooms enjoying music by Elaine Dame, a colorful flower wall that served as a glam step-and-repeat, an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and so much more. The Chicago Hounds, a professional rugby team and the Chicago franchise of Major League Rugby, greeted and escorted guests to check-in as a visible show of male solidarity for the cause.

ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracey DiBuono ran the models through a rehearsal, and I got a chance to observe one of the many reasons why Nigel Barker is so special. One of the survivors was extremely nervous, having never been in a fashion show before. He took her hand and walked her up and down the runway, whispering words of encouragement in her ear every step of the way. (I am now a forever fan.)

As DJ Akib warmed up the room with cool beats, the crowd grew quiet and then, POW! Models wearing gowns that would make any Hollywood starlet jealous burst onto the runway, flashing million-dollar smiles and showing off Elda’s spring collection to perfection as the crowd oohed, ahhhed and applauded. The show was a real winner with something for everyone from short cocktail dresses, to flowing evening gowns to wedding dresses!

Rebecca Darr, WINGS President and CEO, welcomed the crowd, thanking her development team, board members, associate council, leadership council and all others who have generously supported the organization. She thanked philanthropist Rita Canning, for being “WINGS’ wind beneath its wings.” Canning and her family were instrumental in the founding of this charity, among so many others in the city, with Rita personally hiring Rebecca 25 years ago.

Rebecca shared that WINGS started with only two homes for survivors, one office and a budget of $300,000. Today, they have a budget of $13 million but, “sadly, have only begun to scratch the surface.” Domestic violence is more prevalent than many think with one in three women and one in four men experiencing it at some point in their lifetimes.

“If we don’t stand up to support domestic violence survivors and their children and get them the counseling and support they need, we don’t stop the cycle of violence,” she said. “WINGS has developed the most comprehensive, state-of-the art children and family services agency in the country.”  

I was grateful to be the event’s honoree and thanked Rebecca for her kind words during the award presentation. I’ve been covering WINGS events in my columns for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved their mission and the people involved from the very beginning.

The night ended on a powerful note. Nigel Barker, who hadn’t previously shared his story of abuse, did so this night from the stage. After the models’ finale walk, he bravely walked to the center of the stage alone and said, “I’m Nigel Barker and I’m a survivor of domestic violence.”

I think this event, that raised more than $97,000, far surpassed its expectations and hopes of spreading awareness for survivors and their families. For more info on WINGS, click here and to reach a 24-hour hotline for support, call (800)-799-7233.  

(Photos by Lori Sapio, @lori_sapio_photographer, and Alex Callejo, @ac_photography_chicago; social media support Rey Rodriguez, @mediarey)