Couture for a Cause nets 55G for Sharsheret

An audience of several hundred women viewed a stunning fashion show in Lawrence last week that raised $55,000 in support of Sharsheret.

The sold-out Couture for a Cause (CFAC) production, with women and girls volunteering to walk the runway, capped Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities in the Five Towns.

Sharsheret Director Elana Silber described her organization’s history and programs.  Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” was founded in November 2001 by Rochelle Shoretz z”l, after her diagnosis at age 28. Shoretz developed Sharsheret as an organization sensitive to the cultural needs of young Jewish women and their families. Through 4,000 peer supporters, it has responded to more than 45,000 breast cancer inquiries and presented over 250 educational programs nationwide.

CFAC is a not-for-profit Jewish organization founded by Woodmere residents Esther Coco Berg and Michal Weinstein. Childhood friends with a strong belief in tzedaka, they decided to “give back,” and since their first event in Esther’s backyard they have raised over $250,000 for various organizations. This was CFAC’s fifth event.

Berg and Weinstein chaired this event, at Temple Lawrence, with Breezy Schwartz, honorary chair, who is also the Auction Director of CFAC. 

Fashionista was the word of the evening, with its ubiquitous presence both on the runway and with guests. 

Rachel Kairy of Pink Label presented its fall top designer couture and Zoe Ltd. showcased its beautiful designs for children and teens. Explosions of color, texture and cutting-edge designs were the hallmarks of the fashion show. Beautiful voluminous and long flowing dresses, luxurious fur jackets and tulle skirts adorned the runway. Several models also wore gorgeous wigs by Shevy.  

Fashion designer Christian Siriano, who won the fourth season of Project Runway and has a flagship store on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan, received a Designer of the Decade award. An Instastyle award was presented by Sharon Langert to popular fashion blogger Frumee Taubenfeld.

Major sponsors, mostly local, of this Couture for a Cause event included Azamra DJ, Jerry Meyer Studio, NYFF Events, Shevy, Birch Event Design, Breezy’s, and MLW Design. Approximately, 100 donations were also made for fabulous raffle prizes.

The elegant and fun evening delivered on the motto of Esther Coco Berg and Michal Weinstein, which is “putting the Fabulous in Fundraising.”