WINGS' 'Blossom' fashion show fundraiser showcases courage through couture

WINGS Program’s second annual “BLOSSOM” fundraiser was a hit with an SRO crowd at the chic 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. Held on Thursday, April 24, the fashion show supported WINGS programming for domestic violence survivors and provided an inspirational evening for all who attended. Media personality and host of “The Whitney Reynolds Show,” Whitney Reynolds, was this year’s honoree.

The event was created and produced by Tracey Mayer, WINGS Development Consultant and domestic violence survivor, with so many moving parts, each one a success. Nigel Barker, renowned photographer and longtime judge/photog on “America’s Next Top Model,” returned as emcee; ZZAZZ Productions produced the fashion show portion and DJ Akib provided the beats. Spectacular fashions were provided this year by Janet Mandell. Survivors walked the runway to wild applause as Nigel shared their remarkable survivor stories from the podium.

Before the runway presentation, guests meandered throughout the many rooms enjoying a colorful flower wall that served as a glam step-and-repeat, an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and so much more. The Chicago Hounds, a professional rugby team and the Chicago franchise of Major League Rugby, greeted and escorted guests to check-in as a visible show of male solidarity for the cause.

Rebecca Darr, WINGS President and CEO, welcomed the crowd, thanking her development team, board members, associate council, leadership council and all others who have generously supported the organization. She thanked philanthropist Rita Canning, for being “WINGS’ wind beneath its wings.” Canning and her family were instrumental in the founding of this charity, among so many others in the city, with Rita personally hiring Rebecca 25 years ago.

Rebecca shared that WINGS started with only two homes for survivors, one office and a budget of $300,000. Today, they have a budget of $17 million but, “sadly, we are still scratching the surface to provide the needed help in every community.” Domestic violence is more prevalent than many think with one in three women and one in four men experiencing it at some point in their lifetimes.

“If we don’t stand up to support domestic violence survivors and their children and get them the counseling and support they need, we don’t stop the cycle of violence,” she said. “WINGS has developed the most comprehensive, state-of-the art children and family services agency in the country.”  

(Photos by Alex Callejo, @ac_photography_chicago and Anas Ismail Photography, @anas_aistudio)

(You may also like this article from WINGS inaugural Blossom event!)