Fabulous fashions and fantastic food brought more than 400 attendees out to enjoy the 24th annual Harvesters Fashion Show and Luncheon, a charity event to help end hunger in Orange County sponsored by South Coast Plaza and held on October 6 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
The event netted $680,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed hungry children, working families and seniors in Orange County.
Newport Beach resident and chair of the Harvesters, Melissa Knode, said, “Harvesters are proud to help lead the way for those served by Second Harvest to a future without hunger. We have incredible support from South Coast Plaza and its luxury retailers, as well as generous donors, sponsors and supporters, who are dedicated to change the reality that faces so many people in Orange County who don’t know where they’ll find their next meal.”
Knode thaned her co-chair and fellow Newport resident, Susan Croul, and their dedicated group of Harvesters members for helping to make Fashion Show and Luncheon a success.
The proceeds from this year’s luncheon will enable Second Harvest to provide 1.6 million meals. The Harvesters have now raised total contributions of over $6 million in the past 24 years.
The afternoon began with the BVLGARI-sponsored champagne reception
where guests perused the multitude of silent auction items, ranging from a 10-night stay in a luxurious beachfront villa in Phuket, Thailand, to children’s books written by young authors who wanted to raise funds for Second Harvest Food bank. Other noteworthy items: a private Chanel cocktail reception and couture preview in a sultry suite at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, and a date for two aboard the Goodyear Blimp.
Three luxury items from South Coast Plaza and its retailers and restaurants were featured as opportunity drawings: a Petite 2Jours Black Handbag featuring Dolce T Calf leather with customizable nametag by Fendi (won by Judy Pederson), a cultured South Sea pearl necklace, set in 18k white gold with a pave diamond clasp by Mikimoto (won by Michelle Janavs), and a VIP experience at South Coast Plaza including a $2,000 gift certificate, valet parking for one year and a $400 certificate to Water Grill (won by Gail Haft).
A highlight of the event was a runway presentation showcasing the fall and winter collections of iconic luxury brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Fendi, Lanvin, Marni, MaxMara, Moncler, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Versace.
This seasons trends featured pleats, velvet, sequins, brocades, lace, geometric heels and more.
Following the fashion show was a delicious luncheon in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom
Concert Hall. The menu featured a seasonal fall salad, pan roasted free-range chicken salad with yukon potatoes and green beans, and black forest trifle. Wine offerings included Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay and Whispering Angel Rosé.
All guests took home a petite bottle of Goldea Eau de Parfum from BVLGARI, and Gucci provided all Underwriters with a silk neck bow.
After the luncheon ended, attendees headed across the way to the Center Club to enjoy wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres at an after party sponsored by Union Bank.
Founded in 1992, the Harvesters are a dedicated group of women committed to raising awareness and funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Learn more at feedoc.org/harvesters.
