Cherish: A Glamorous Evening of Fashion and Philanthropy

December 12, 2017

On Thursday, October 26, Kirsty Thomson, Financial Advisor at Raymond James Victoria hosted Cherish: A Glamorous Evening of Fashion and Philanthropy, a fundraising event at Victoria’s Oak Bay Beach Hotel. The event benefited two local non-profits: Victoria Women’s Transition House and Dance Victoria. Cherish featured the latest and greatest in the fall collections from three upscale boutiques – Tulipe Noir Clothing, Hughes and Outlooks for Men, and hair and make-up were done by Carreiro the Studio and Beautycounter. Sixteen of Victoria’s finest dancers strutted down the runway modelling a vibrant array of men’s and women’s fashion lines all while spotlighting their dance genre – ballet, ballroom, contemporary, tap, flamenco, hip hop and more.

Left to right: Susan Howard (Victoria Women’s Transition House), Kirsty Thomson, Stephen White (Dance Victoria) & Kari McLay (Tulipe Noire Womens Clothing)

The evening was topped off with wine, canapés, a lively silent auction and opportunities for guests to purchase “Mystery Envelopes” which were filled with coupons, gift certificates and prizes.

210 guests attended, 26 small businesses contributed to the Community Champion fundraising campaign, and more than $34,000 was raised for the two charities.

Kirsty Thomson: “I believe in helping women in our local community to get back on their feet. I also believe in supporting the Arts, and Dance Victoria brings in some amazing talent from all over the world for any age group to enjoy”

The funds raised from Cherish will directly benefit the community by helping Victoria Women’s Transition House continue to provide emergency shelter, counselling, support programs and services for women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse. For Dance Victoria, the funds will help support dance education and outreach programs, dance commissions, residences and continued Victoria presentations of some of the world’s best dance.

“Our two organizations feel strongly that Cherish is an important fundraising collaboration, reflective of a healthy community that values both social supports for vulnerable individuals and cultural enrichment through the beauty of dance.” Susan K.E. Howard, Victoria Women’s Transition House; Stephen White, Dance Victoria.

Left to right: Kirsty Thomson & Michelle Lesage (General Manager of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel)