Mary Kay Inc., The Mary Kay FoundationSM and Tootsies celebrated the 8th annual Suits for Shelters with a “Think Pink Launch Party” on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Hosts Maleiah and Ryan Rogers were joined by 200 partygoers wearing the evening’s signature color, pink. As guests arrived at Tootsies with their new and gently used women’s professional attire, shoes and accessories for local domestic violence shelters. Tootsies generously rewarded each donor with a $25 gift card as a “thank you.”
As attendees perused the store’s fashions and accessories, including jewelry by guest designer Claudia Labao, they sipped pink champagne and enjoyed light bites from Ford’s Kitchen Catering, including bacon wrapped stuffed dates, artichoke spinach goat cheese empanadas, watermelon feta appetizer and charcuterie boards.
New this year, Mystery Boxes, featuring prizes themed around food, fashion, fitness and fun, were available for purchase for $100, $200 and $300 with all proceeds benefiting The Mary Kay FoundationSM. The Suits for Shelter raffle was also back, with three prizes: light bites for your next event up to 25 guests donated by Ford’s Kitchen Catering; a Tootsies VIP Experience with a styling session for the winner and 4 guests complete with $900 in gift cards; and a $5,000 contribution in the winner’s name to the domestic violence shelter of their choice, donated by Maleiah and Ryan Rogers.
At the appointed time, partygoers proceeded to Tootsies’ second floor for the “Think Pink” style show. Ryan Rogers, Chief Investment Officer for Mary Kay Inc., welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance and for supporting the eighth annual Suits for Shelters. He also recognized Suits for Shelters ongoing partners, Tootsies, media partner WFAA-TV and sponsor Tolleson Wealth Management.
Rogers also imparted some of the history behind The Mary Kay FoundationSM‘s mission and their ongoing efforts to prevent domestic violence. He shared that a key component of ending the cycle of abuse, is helping a survivor along their recovery secure employment and financial independence. The generous donations of professional clothing and accessories during the Suits for Shelters drive truly impact the lives of domestic violence survivors served by the Foundation’s beneficiaries.
Rogers then reminded guests that raffle tickets were still on sale with winners announced immediately following the upcoming fashion show. Kirsten Gappelberg, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability for Mary Kay, Inc. followed with additional announcements and a reminder to all to bring their donations to Tootsies through August 6.
Tootsies store director Nerissa von Helpenstill took the podium to extend her gratitude to Mary Kay and The Mary Kay FoundationSM before introducing the evening’s emcee, WFAA-TV’s Cynthia Izaguirre. The fashion show then began with fabulous summer looks modeled by Alexa Conomos – WFAA-TV; Charlotte Huffman – WFAA-TV; Kellie Rasberry – The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show; Evelyn Earl - Attitudes and Attire; Roze Kluttz – Battered Women’s Foundation; Tina Strand – Brighter Tomorrows; Alicia Froidl – Denton County Friends of the Family; Karis Renee – Dress for Success; Tamika Jackson – Genesis Women’s Shelter; Megan Rutherford – Hope’s Door; Marci Burns – Mary Kay; Morgan Calhoun – Mary Kay; Lisa Petty – Mary Kay; McKenzie Hoopfer – Mosaic Family Services; Rhonda Aicklen – New Beginning Center; Dakota Hart – Safe Haven of Tarrant County; Vicki Wheaton – Salvation Army and Ericka Johnson – The Family Place.
Gappelberg returned to the podium to announce the winners of the raffle prizes, including the grand prize winner, Esmeralda Rodriguez, who selected the non-profit organization Brighter Tomorrows, where she serves on the board, as the beneficiary of a $5,000 donation in her name.
As guests departed they were gifted an organza bag filled with full-size Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel, SPF 50 Sunscreen and SPF15 Lip Protector Sunscreen.
Since 2009 the Suits for Shelters program has donated more than 15,000 professional items to local domestic violence shelters. Through August 6th, any Tootsies shopper who brings in a donation will receive a $25 gift certificate. Tootsies is located in Plaza at Preston Center at 8300 Preston Road, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75225; store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Mary Kay FoundationSM was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. The Mary Kay FoundationSM has awarded nearly $41 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $25 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay FoundationSM, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).