The Chicago Lighthouse hosts "FLAIR: Eye on Style," a celebration of fashion and inclusivity

The Chicago Lighthouse hosted its biggest FLAIR fundraiser to date on September 22 at the Ritz-Carlton with over 275 supporters in attendance. The event, “Eye on Style,” celebrated a decade on the runway promoting access and inclusion. The event honored Tracey Tarantino DiBuono with the Hood/Swift Woman with FLAIR award. Tracey also produced the fashion show (ZZAZZ Productions) that featured models both with and without disabilities wearing the latest couture. 

The runway presentation featured stunning looks from Anne Fontaine, Elda De La Rosa, Mira Couture, Peach Carr and Max Mara at Bloomingdale’s, St. John, Lauren Lein Ltd., Al Menotti and Contessa Bottega with a special appearance from participants in the Lighthouse’s Youth Transition Program modeling fashions from Macy’s Personal Stylist (presenting sponsor) in the finale.  

You could feel the buzz as soon as you walked into the room. Attendees, who had raided their closets for their chicest looks, chatted excitedly with fellow guests in anticipation of the show. Runway participants included the legendary Chef Art Smith, popular daytime talk show host Val Warner and her handsome husband Elijah Jobba Maxey Jr., and a former Miss Continental and popular female impersonator, Chilli Pepper. Tracey’s beautiful daughters also modeled and were superstars in their own rights, Darci Pinello and Disa Simpson.

Men dazzled on the runway too. Seen strutting their stuff were Mark Olley, Scott Bobek, Samuel Carter, Elbert Ford, Shaun Rajah, Learnus Ross, and John Walcher (who graciously donated his time as auctioneer) with the Lighthouse’s Sandy Murillo.  Youth Transition Program models included Lance Gladney and John Johnson. (Female Youth Transition Models were Ellie St. Arnaud, Dr. Rashmi Kapur and Yo’Mari Williams.)

Guests enjoyed a sit-down luncheon, a cocktail reception, a packed silent auction, and a pop-up shopping experience before the event. The Hood Swift Woman with Flair Award was presented to Tracey by co-chairs Sheree Schimmer, Sherrill Bodine and Sherry Lea Holson. I was honored to return as a co-host with Tracey.

Tracey has been a supporter of this event, “FLAIR: Fun, Fashion and Philanthropy,” from the start. During her speech, she acknowledged the late Kevin Sullivan, who was the first to suggest her as an honoree. Everyone immediately and unanimously agreed.

During her acceptance speech, Tracey thanked the organization, Dr. Janet Szlyk (Chicago Lighthouse President and CEO), the co-chairs, her family, DJ Akib, her team at ZZAZZ Productions, the Lighthouse’s Lindsay Inglis and Karoline Kijowski, the participating stores and designers, and others.

“Being here made me think about how life changes, in the blink of an eye. I came to understand the amazing models with their difficulties and then my husband, after a day of golfing, came home and said he couldn’t see the ball. He needed immediate retina surgery - and he healed. A few years later, my daughter had her second baby and also needed immediate retina surgery - and she healed. Today, I have a cousin here who told me she needed to go to the Lighthouse recently to get a better magnifying glass because she has macular degeneration, and she is trying to heal as best she can. What I know now is that the Lighthouse is here to help all who are in need, from the young children and the teenagers to the seniors, no one is refused help. And did you know that they’re behind the scenes manning the call centers for the DMV, the Tollway, and many hospitals, always ready to help and refusing no one in financial need. I am beyond grateful and deeply touched and honored to be celebrating this decade of fashion as this year’s honoree. I hope that you know that the Lighthouse is here for you, in the blink of an eye, if life changes,” Tracey tearfully shared, as the crowd cheered its approval.

Dr. Janet Szlyk spoke about the history of the organization, that was founded in 1906 by a group of socially prominent women that included Winona Hood and Edith Swift. (This is why the award is called the Hood/Swift Woman with Flair Award, so now ‘ya know!)  Dr. Janet called Tracey, a “modern day Winona Hood.” She also shared the story of her older cousin who became blind due to too much oxygenation in her incubator but, despite her difficulties, became a confident, highly independent, successful adult. Because of this experience with her sister, when Dr. Janet came to the Lighthouse, she knew they needed “robust and strong youth transition programs,” which they most certainly do. 

Besides a moving tribute to the late Kevin Sullivan, the event also acknowledged past honorees: the late Vonita Reescer, Jamie Hague, Kristina McGrath, Cheri Lawrence, Cheryl Coleman and Ron Katz, Susan Griffiths Gohl, Sherry Lea Holson, and Candace Jordan.  

Proceeds will support The Chicago Lighthouse’s Children’s and Youth Programs that help young individuals with disabilities build confidence and become independent adults. (To donate, or for more info on The Chicago Lighthouse, please click here).

(Chicago Star was the proud media sponsor.)