The Compassion House Foundation was founded in 1998 with the purpose of building a welcoming and comforting facility where women from out-of-town could reside while being treated for breast cancer.
With its first major campaign launched in 2001, the foundation received generous donations from the Edmonton community, donors across the province and the Sorrentino’s Restaurant Group, making it possible for the facility
to open its doors in September 2002. Since that time they have provided support to over 525 women with breast cancer and their families.
Held at the Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre on October 11th of this year, the 16th annual Syncrude "Fashion for Compassion" fundraiser theme was "An Affair to Remember." The room was eloquently decorated with pure old Hollywood glitz and glamour. Hundreds of guests attended this sold out event raising $300,000 for the Sorrentino’s
Compassion House.
It was with great enthusiasm and excitement that Blu’s was able to play an instrumental part in this Fashion for Compassion gala, as we had the pleasure of styling Lynn Mandel, Lorraine Mansbridge, Mode Models, and
most importantly several very amazing cancer survivor women. We chose some of the most artistic, eloquent, unique and sought-after-designers for this special event, including designs by Lida Baday, Annette Gortz, Marie Saint
Pierre and Eileen Fisher. Accessories were provided by Karyn Chopik and Hillberg & Berk.
This quote from the Edmonton Journal sums up the night, “The fashions were stunning. However, the real highlight was the people for whom the fundraiser is intended to support. Towards the end of the evening, a parade of breast cancer survivors had everyone on their feet and clapping as they walked the runway alongside local civic leaders such
as Mayor Stephen Mandel.” To see the full article, please view Stars of Fashion with Compassion are cancer survivors.
Photographs in this article are courtesy of Larry Wong with the Edmonton Journal, Mode Models, and Fred Katz Fine Art Photography.