Save Our Breast Friends

With the start of a new year, who isn’t making a list of self-improvement goals? Save money, lose weight, quit that annoying habit… the list goes on. This year, I’ve resolved to set measurable goals instead of blanket statements. So I’ve upgraded the annual “Be a better person” resolution to “Participate in at least 4 community service events.” I was inspired through my volunteer activities in 2010, such as wrapping Christmas gifts at the Harlem Children Zone. And I was lucky enough to be a part of a very brag-worthy fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

Jimeale New York and Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) joined forces to put on a fabulous bash in support for breast cancer awareness. With the B4BC girls in LA and Jimeale constantly on the go with her international accessories business, they found themselves needing some extra help – insert Coquette Events.

The venue was graciously donated by Desiron in SoHo. The entry level was used for volunteers to greet guests, who were deliciously dressed from head to toe.

A press area featured a custom step & repeat with a hot pink carpet. Here is Jimeale with our lovely co-hosts, Sarah Wynter (Flight of the Concords) and Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl).

Tony Richardson proudly presented football cleats signed by the NY Jets for our silent auction!

Guests descended down a candle-lit staircase to enjoy a crisp, modern space with pink uplighting, gourmet hors d’oeveurs and champagne passed by cute volunteers, and 2 stocked bars. Silent auction items were displayed throughout the room, including designer handbags, a surfboard, and weekend getaways.

I had to keep costs low in order to yield the highest return for the charity. But I was able to convince the team to let me bring in some elements of decor and color. With the help of a pink carpet, lighting, navy linens, candles, and DIY pommanders, the space immediately felt more special. I even had custom Dough Girl cookies flown in from San Francisco and I designed a coordinating hang tag.

Speeches were made by Lisa Hudson of B4BC and Sarah Wynter to remind people that breast cancer can affect men and women of all ages. We were encouraged to help empower young people by educating them on ways to prevent the disease.

Of course I had to sneak in for at least one photo with the gorgeous Jessica Szohr!

We successfully raised $20,000 though ticket sales, the silent auction, and raffle tickets. Thank you to those that came out to support the cause. While Jamie wasn’t able to make it to New York for this one, I’m grateful to her sister who happened to be in town and helped me get through the day!

Happy 2011 to all of you!

Coquettishly yours,

Andrea

Tags: "Boarding for Breast Cancer", "Coquette Events", Breast Cancer Awareness, Desiron, Jessica Szohr, Jimeale Jorgensen, Jimeale NY, New York, New York Fundraiser, Sarah Wynter, Save Our Breast Friends