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ACTRESS MINNIE DRIVER hosted Vintage LA 2004 which featured vintage clothing designs by some of L.A.’s top fashion designers. |
Alegria recently held Vintage LA 2004, the fashion extravaganza of the year, at The New Mart in downtown Los Angeles. Vintage LA 2004 was a fundraising Hollywood fashion event where Los Angeles’ top designers added their distinct flair to vintage clothing to benefit Alegria, The Salvation Army’s low density, village style community for homeless and low-income families affected by HIV/AIDS. Hosted by acclaimed actress Minnie Driver, Vintage LA 2004 featured distinct designs from Bill Blass, Corey Lynn Calter, Bella Dahl by Kerry & Steven Joina, Betsey Johnson, Shelley Komarov for Komarov & Kisca, Mona Li, Jacqueline Love for Shakti, Jennifer Nicholson, Costa Nostra, Petro Zilia, Estevan Ramos, Tree, Richard Tyler, Louis Verdad, Sue Wong, and others. Appearances by famous singers and actors such as Sarah Hudson and Bethany Joy Lenz, added to the star-studded event. “I am simply overwhelmed by the generosity of all of the organizations, individuals, and corporations that came together to help put on this fantastic event,” stated Jeffrey Lane, the executive director of Alegria. “In this time of governmental and private funding cut backs for HIV/AIDS programs, we need assistance from many diverse groups to help keep our programs going.” Attendees were afforded the opportunity to purchase vintage clothing and accessories selected and styled by the designers and to bid on several exciting items in the silent auction. Later, a light reception reinvigorated the eager shoppers. Speeches by Tina Olson, Alegria’s advisory board chair; Howard Beneson, the president of Beneson and Janson, Alegria’s advertising agency, Jeffrey M. Lane, Executive Director of Alegria, Lt. Col. Alfred Van Cleef, Divisional Commander Southern California Salvation Army, and Minnie Driver, drove home the point that this event was not just a fashion show, but a fund and ‘friend’-raiser for needy families. The Salvation Army Alegria is a one-of-a-kind, low-density village style community for homeless and low-income families affected by HIV/AIDS. The Salvation Army, with other partners, has invested more than $9 million in building this facility. Located on 1.6 acres in the Silverlake district, Alegria provides transitional and permanent housing, and a licensed daycare. In addition, 24-hour staffing provides intensive services, including full meal services, transportation, vocational services, and private outdoor playgrounds. For some families, this will be the first home they can call their own.
