The “Purple Event” fashion fundraiser for epilepsy awareness went down in NYC on September 10th. Guest Blogger Jessica Keener couldn’t wait to tell us about it.. and how she needs fashionistas to step up to the plate asap by shopping for to-die-for purple gowns on ebay asap!
I just came back from a super charged, charity gala: The Purple Event in NYC for epilepsy awareness, sponsored by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and hosted by Bachelorette, Jillian Harris (Jillian is a sweet, lovely woman by the way, so ignore those idiotic tabloid stories about her.) The Purple Event featured more than 60 designers-all of whom donated a signature purple piece for the runway show and silent auction.. and honestly, one was more gorgeous than the next. Funds raised supported the Foundations’ fifth grade epilepsy education and seizure first aid program.
More than 500 people attended this amazing evening. Bravo filmed the event, and models splashed down the runway in lilac, plum, lavender and fuchsia. Three-time NBA Champ A.C. Green (hugely handsome, killer smile,) Alex McCord, Reshma Shetty, Mark Indelicato and (Green Glamazon!) Summer Rayne Oakes sparkled on the catwalk in bold, sexy, flirty, and drop dead stunning purple designs. Sweetest of all, singerElliott Yamin (who performed songs from his new CD, Fight for Love) danced down the runway in support of his girlfriend, model Jaime Paetz, who herself has epilepsy.
Bet you didn’t know that purple is the international color for epilepsy, a condition that affects 3 million Americans. Now you have an even better reason to rock the color of royals.
I got involved with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation because my cousin, Stevie, has epilepsy. When I was about 7-years old, I saw Stevie have a seizure during a family gathering. He fell to the kitchen floor and started shaking. His face looked contorted. Stevie’s mom screamed in distress and went to her knees beside him. “Stand back,” someone said. I stood in the doorway stunned and scared. I had no idea what was going on, except that I was terrified watching my cousin’s body trembling. Then it was over. Stevie “woke up.” He looked dazed but okay. That experience cut into me, and I knew I had to do more to learn about my cousin’s condition, and help those like him.
That’s why I worked on The Purple Event last week, a partnership of giving and fashion to raise funds and public awareness about epilepsy. To date, the Foundation has trained 25,000 school children not to fear people with this condition.
Bummed you missed the event? Worry not!! The Purple Event online auction is going on at eBay as we speak (wrapping up in one day – so hustle up and tell your girls!!). Bid on purple designs by Nicole Miller, Tadashi, Tibi, LAMB by Gwen Stefani, Nanette Lepore and many more… ALL purple fashion pieces AND the pieces shown above on the runways! Fashion you can feel good about, since 100% of the proceeds benefit The Anita Kaufmann Foundation’s epilepsy education programs. Auction closes soon, so visit www.ebay.com/akfus and place your bids.
You all know that fashion celebrates individuality and uniqueness. So does The Anita Kaufmann Foundation. That’s why I urge you to go to www.afkus.org, make a donation, and get involved.
Jessica Keener has published widely in national magazines. She is obsessed with home design and inspired by people who use their creativity for the common good.