Guild Presents an Evening of Fashion and Music

Inland Empire locals are invited to a special fashion show sponsored for the benefit of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital by members of the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild. Titled “Carolyn’s Closet: an Evening of Fashion and Music,” the event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7th, in the rotunda of the Centennial Complex at LLUH. According to event coordinator Leigh Anderson, proceeds from the show will go toward the purchase of a fetal heart monitor and rocking chairs for use in the pediatric emergency department. She adds that Carolyn’s Closet is designed to showcase the latest styles for two particular groups. “We’re breaking new ground with this event,” Anderson says. “The target groups are teenagers and their moms. Some members of the younger group were patients at Children’s Hospital when they were kids. “Carolyn’s closet is every woman’s closet,” she continues. “The fashions presented embody the heart of this year’s trends.” The event marks the first time the guild has hosted a fashion show. “The community is supportive of LLU Children’s Hospital by enthusiastically attending the annual Gala, which is held at the Orange Show, Citizen’s Business Bank Arena, or the Riverside Convention Center,” she says. “But with this new event, we want to engage the community on the campus where it all happens. We want them to see our students in the classrooms and halls of the Centennial Complex.” Anderson points out that the venue was selected because it will allow models and their escorts to descend the twin staircases of the rotunda against a backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Musicians will also be on hand to perform throughout the evening. The first group, an instrumental jazz ensemble, will play while guests are registering and shopping before the show begins, and the second, a choral ensemble, will sing Disney showtunes in costume during intermission. She notes that two Inland Empire businesses will provide fashions for the models. “We handpicked two vendors for the event,” Anderson observes. “For teens, we selected Le Roy’s Shoes & Clothing, and for the adults, we chose Chico’s. All funds raised at the show will go toward the purchase of a fetal monitor and rocking chairs for the pediatric emergency department at Children’s Hospital.” Anderson found an enthusiastic reception at both stores, and noted that their managers were eager to get involved. “Lorraine Nygren, manager of Chico’s in Riverside, has a grandchild who was treated at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” Anderson notes. “She is eternally grateful for the care her little one received. This is her motivation for wanting to help.” While Chico’s is a national brand, Le Roy’s is a local Inland Empire company started by a young entrepreneur who named it after her grandfather. “Le Roy’s is very fashion-forward for the hip younger generation,” Anderson observes. The models selected for the event represent the two target demographics. “The first are students from local high schools,” Anderson says. “The second are Inland Empire women who have big hearts for little hearts. The Loma Linda University catering service is preparing the cuisine, and small bites, both savory and sweet, will be available for purchase. Colorful boutiques will offer a variety of fashionable items and accessories for sale.” Anderson notes that the grand finale will be a raffle titled “An Enchanted Evening.” She promises it will offer “a day and night that will transform one special woman into a real-life princess or queen.” In addition to individual tickets at $30 per person, sponsorships are available in a variety of denominations ranging from $500 to $10,000. “Please join us for a wonderful evening of fashion and music,” Anderson concludes, “and support the medical miracles so many children desperately need.” Individuals interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the event are invited to go online at www.lluch.org.