Grace Centers of Hope Holds "Women Helping Women" Luncheon and Fashion Show Fundraiser, May 7

PONTIAC, MI, April 26, 2011

Grace Centers of Hope is hosting its 13th annual "Women Helping Women" Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 7, 2011. World-renowned fashion and style expert, Mary Alice Stephenson, will provide the creative directing, styling and emceeing of this year's fashion show. The event features professional models, as well as Grace Centers' women and children, who will wear the Spring 2011 Collection of fashion designer Naeem Khan. Proceeds will benefit the women's and children's programs at Grace Centers of Hope, Oakland County's oldest and largest homeless shelter.

Women Helping Women will be held at the Royal Park Hotel, 600 University in Rochester. It begins with a silent auction preview at 10:30 a.m. followed by the luncheon and fashion show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Women and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in our community," said Pastor Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope. "Last year, we sadly turned away more than 4,000 women and children in need because of the increased demand for the services of Grace Centers of Hope. The Women Helping Women event will help us raise the necessary funds to address this challenge, while continuing to provide support for these families."

Grace Centers of Hope is a leading faith-based organization in southeastern Michigan that provides comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation services for homeless men, women and children. Its programs confront issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. Grace Centers provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children nightly, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Its $4.6 million annual budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance.

The 2011 event once again will feature Mary Alice Stephenson, who will style the models and bring her distinctive flair and expertise to the runway.

Stephenson, who grew up in the Detroit area, now lives and works in New York. One of the world's most sought after fashion and style experts, she is highly regarded as a well-versed and knowledgeable commentator covering the latest trends in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She analyzes trends and contextualizes style, providing extensive fashion coverage for print and electronic media.

Whether backstage reporting from the world's top runway shows or front-and-center on the red carpet, Stephenson entertains and informs audiences and readers alike, making fashion understandable and accessible. She has served as a fashion and beauty commentator for many networks and shows including: CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, Showbiz Tonight, American Morning, The Situation Room, MTV, VH1, ABC's Good Morning America, CBS' Early Show, Fox News, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, E!, The Style Channel, Associated Press TV and BBC.

Throughout her 20-year career, Stephenson has worked for legendary fashion magazines such as Vogue, Allure, Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar. Among the celebrities Stephenson has worked with are First Lady, Michelle Obama, as well as Hollywood's most fashionable celebrities including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, Renee Zellweger, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchet, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston.

"Mary Alice's role with the Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show has helped create the type of energy often found at a New York City high-fashion event," said Shannon Grace Sokol, director of communications for Grace Centers of Hope. "We are extremely grateful for her commitment to the overall success of Grace Centers of Hope and its mission."

One of the biggest names in the fashion industry, Naeem Khan is committed to adorning elegant women in clothes befitting their refinement. His luxurious collection consists of impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic separates - all embroidered by hand. He launched his eponymous collection, Naeem Khan, in 2003 and began selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Nieman Marcus and Sacks Fifth Avenue. Since then the collection has grown to be sold at more than 100 specialty stores across the world.

Hosts for the event will be local broadcast notables, Ruth Spencer and Doris Biscoe. Event coordinator is Shannon Grace Sokol of Oakland Township. Sue Luther of Oakland Township is chairperson and Stacy Carron of Royal Oak is event co-chair. Honorary committee members include The Hon. Lisa Gorcyca of Troy; Denise Ilitch of Bingham Farms; Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake; Mona Richard of Dearborn; Kathy Shelton of Rochester Hills; The Hon. Julie Nicholson of Rochester.

Executive sponsors are: The Williams Family Foundation and Car Proof Vehicle History Reports. Platinum Sponsor for the event is Volkswagen Group of America. Gold sponsors are English Gardens. Silver sponsors are AECC Linens; ArvinMeritor; Delta Airlines; Ford Motor Company Fund; Northwestern Mutual/Wilshire Financial Group; Quicken Loans; Rick and Kate Dahlstrom; and Rose Printing Services Incorporated. Bronze Sponsors are Children's Hospital of Michigan; Compuware; Crittenton Hospital Medical Center; Flagstar Bank; MGM Grand Detroit; Pepsi; and Denise Warren. Patron sponsors are Plante Moran; Onyx Collision; Huntington Bank; Convention & Show Services; Norma Smith and Denise Warren. Valet sponsors are Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Shelton Buick GMC. Media sponsor is Ambassador Magazine. Hair provided by FIGO Salon in Birmingham and make-up by Mijo-a' Beauty Studio.

Women Helping Women tickets are $85 per person. Make checks payable to Grace Centers of Hope, or visit http://www.gracecentersofhope.org to purchase tickets online.

About Grace Centers of Hope
Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is one of southeast Michigan's oldest and largest service provider for the homeless. Today, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness on a daily basis. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace's $4.4 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance. For more information, or to make a donation, visit http://www.gracecentersofhope.org.

CONTACT:
Michael Odom
Marx Layne & Company
248-855-6777 (office)
modom@marxlayne.com