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Science 2011-01-07 1 min read

Chicago Fashion and Philanthropy Come Together To Benefit People With Visual Impairments

First event in 2011 set for Jan. 14

CHICAGO, IL, January 07, 2011

Chicago's most fashionable philanthropists and retailers are collaborating for Flair: Fun, Fashion Philanthropy, the first citywide effort for a fine designer, vintage and couture resale event. All proceeds from Flair will go towards The Chicago Lighthouse's mission to serve people who are blind or visually impaired.

A series of fashion acquisition parties will be held throughout 2011 to collect clothing and accessories for the main Flair event, a runway show at Saks Fifth Avenue on Michigan Ave on Sept. 24. Immediately following will be a two-day sale of all donated clothing at The Peninsula Chicago.

The next acquisition party and donation event will be at Ellie Thompson + Co. Studio, 8 S. Michigan Ave. #2203, on Friday, Jan. 14 from 6-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, fashion and philanthropy. Noted Chicago jewelry designer Ellie Thompson is also donating 15 percent of purchased jewelry to The Chicago Lighthouse. There is no entrance fee for event, just one or more items of gently used clothing.

"We're excited to bring these events to Chicago society and offer people a way to celebrate fashion and support a worthy cause," said Lighthouse President/ Executive Director Dr. Janet Szlyk. "I'd like to extend a special thank you to Ellie Thompson and our chairs Colby Kerr and Kaye Rahn for their tireless planning efforts!"

To become a supporter of fashion philanthropy, the Lighthouse is inviting the community to attend an acquisition event, drop off a clothing donation at The Chicago Lighthouse and help spread the word about Flair. To learn more, contact Special Events at 312-997-3679 or e-mail RSVP@chicagolighthouse.org.

Founded in 1906, the Lighthouse is one of the nation's most comprehensive social service agencies. Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent low vision clinic in the U.S.; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a nationally acclaimed school for children who are blind with multi-disabilities; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station. For further information, please contact us at (312)666-1331.