The Chicago Lighthouse's FLAIR: A fashionable fundraiser for the visually impaired

The Chicago Lighthouse’s “FLAIR: Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.” fashion show and luncheon on Sept. 12, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago was a celebration of style, inclusion and community. The event, which began with a morning reception and continued with the fashion show and luncheon at noon, brought together Chicago’s philanthropic and social community to raise support for The Lighthouse’s programs for children and youth who are blind, visually impaired and/or developmentally disabled.

Guiding the vision behind FLAIR 2025 were returning co-chairs Sherry Lea Holson, Sherrill Bodine and Sheree Schimmer. The emcees and program hosts were Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (who also served as show producer through ZZAZZ Productions) and this author. The honoree, Dr. Stacie D. McClane, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with nearly two decades in private practice. Her charitable contributions are numerous and include founding Faces for Love Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting women and children facing adversity.

The event featured a lively reception, the organization’s largest silent auction and a diverse runway show followed by a luncheon, all in support of the Lighthouse’s mission. Since its inception in 2014, FLAIR has been celebrated as Chicago’s most inclusive fashion showcase, inviting models of varying abilities to share the spotlight on the runway. The show brings together local designers, retailers, business leaders and supporters to help raise funds for more than 40 Lighthouse services ranging from early intervention and low-vision exams to vocational training and youth education.

The fashion show featured a diverse array of designers and retailers, culminating in a grand finale presented by Macy's State Street. Participating in the show were Anne Fontaine, Contessa Bottega, Lafayette 148, Lauren Lein, Mario Pinto, Menotti Couture, NINA and Mira Couture. 

Lead sponsors for the event included Paula Borg and Tom Stemwedel, Sherry Lea and Richard Holson III and Dr. Stacie McClane and Jerry Michaelson with Dr. Andrew Barrer as the Runway Sponsor.

Roberta Kramer, Heritage Auctions senior VP strategy and business development, energetically conducted the paddle raise adding even more revenue to the event’s fundraising goals. The final increment, $120, was asked in honor of the organization’s upcoming 120^th anniversary.

Guests left with packed goodie bags that contained Rice Krispie treats from Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Saks Fifth Avenue/Chanel skincare, and so much more. The silent auction was the largest to date with 59 offerings that came from a variety of donors. They included Piccolo Sogno, Neiman Marcus, Steak 48, Waldorf Astoria, Maria Pinto, Porchlight Music Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Gene & Georgetti, Chicago White Sox, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Music of the Baroque, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Adler Planetarium, portraitist Rosemary Fanti, Brookfield Zoo, Remy Bumppo Think Theatre, Giordano Dance Company, Lincoln Park Zoo, Goodman Theatre and more. Hair and makeup touchups were donated by Evelyn Levin, Hair Artistry by Evelyn. Please remember these generous donors in your wanderings. 

FLAIR 2025 was a testament to the power of fashion to bring people together for a common cause. It underscored the importance of inclusivity and community support in driving meaningful change. The event not only showcased the latest in fashion but also highlighted the ongoing efforts of The Chicago Lighthouse to serve and empower individuals with disabilities. Congrats to all who participated! (ChicagoLighthouse.org)

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Service Club of Chicago is 'Wicked for Good'
• Navy Pier gala set to honor former Mayor Richard M. Daley
• John Novak of Novak Construction sells Lincoln Park mansion for $6.75M
• Clouds, cocktails & comedians: 360 CHICAGO to host first-ever comedy night