St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), an El Cajon-based, non-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities, raised $175,000 at its recent 37th annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show and Luncheon. The fundraiser attended by more than 600 guests was held Aug. 16 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Proceeds will benefit more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, served by SMSC.
Joan Eichen, a past honoree, donated $50,000 at the event. Sally B. Thornton, writer and philanthropist, returned as honorary chair. Distinguished honorees included Barbara J. Menard and the Menard Family Foundation. Alisha Summers of KFMB-TV/CBS8 was this year’s emcee. SMSC students, escorted by community leaders, walked down the runway. Models also included the SMSC Triton Swim Team. Another highlight was scenes from “Grease” performed by the SMSC performing arts group. The event theme, “Fashion on Pointe,” was inspired by SMSC student John Agostini’s painting of a ballerina. San Diego County Credit Union, San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, was a sponsor of the fundraiser.