An afternoon spent right off the runway

A model twirls in a Catrina Nebo “Catrina Village” design. /LINDSAY CHANCELLOR

On Dec. 7, the women of Temple Beth-El’s Sisterhood, along with members of the Providence community, gathered to enjoy an afternoon of fashion, food and philanthropy at the first ever Right Off the Runway event.

Co-chaired by Cheryl Greenfield and Joie Magnone, the donor event aimed to raise funds for congregational and community programs including the Religious School, the Ronald McDonald “make a meal” event and scholarships for youth leadership and outreach.  Additionally, a portion of the funds will be put toward a special project at the temple. Magnone says: “First and foremost we hoped that people would come and have a really great time, but we’re also looking to raise as much money as possible so we can put it all back into the community.”

Greenfield, who also acts as the Sisterhood’s co-president, felt compelled to coordinate the unique fundraising event after a chance meeting in March with Yemi Sekoni, artistic director of Lights Fashion Philanthropy. Headquartered in Cranston, Lights Fashion Philanthropy is a fashion-driven event and entertainment company that helps charitable organizations increase fundraising efforts while promoting local boutiques and up-and-coming designers. 

As guests entered the building, they were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and were invited to peruse a number of pop-up boutiques displaying jewelry, handcrafted items of clothing and gifts for children before moving into the Silverstein Meeting Hall for the runway show and silent auction that featured donations from Seven Stars Bakery, The Butcher Shop and Alex and Ani.  Once inside they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from local businesses including Duck and Bunny and Chex Finer Foods. 

In the days leading up to the event, a raffle was held offering a complete head-to-toe makeover for the winner, courtesy of Easton, Massachusetts-based Makeovers Salon. It was Judy Mosely, executive director of Temple Beth-El, who won the raffle and opened the runway show. One of the designers showcasing her collection at the event was Martha Jackson of Restored by Design, an eco-fashion boutique located in downtown Providence. She says her unique design aesthetic is inspired by castaway treasures and vintage fabrics, often found at Goodwill or Savers. “I look for flowers, botanical elements and lace in the items I source.  Then I like to incorporate colors and a mix of patterns and textures.”

Rimma Zaika-Veksler, the knitting mastermind behind Wearable Art by Rimma, also participated in the fashion show.  Once named one of Boston’s 100 most interesting women by Boston Woman Magazine, she recently returned to the design scene after a 10-year hiatus to care for her ailing parents and young daughter, Katya. Originally from Russia, she says her designs are crafted using almost-forgotten techniques and are made for the independent artsy woman.

Another designer displaying items at Right Off the Runway was Nitza Attali, the Judaic studies educator at Temple Beth-El’s religious school. Her Exit by Nitza collection of handcrafted metal jewelry is a reflection of her life while growing up in Israel and often incorporates natural elements like stones.  She says: “Right Off the Runway is important because it’s fun, and it’s a great way to support the Sisterhood.”

While the group expected to raise approximately $2,000 from the donor event, Greenfield says: “At the end of the day the purpose of the event is twofold.  It’s not only to bring money in but to bring together members of the community.  Everything from the food, to the décor, to the invitations and to the programs, was done by talented sisterhood women.  Through this experience we were able to strengthen our relationships, and I believe that’s as important as the money that we earn.”

For those interested in joining Temple Beth-El’s 100-year-old Sisterhood, contact the synagogue at 401-331-6070 or visit their website: temple-beth-el.org/community/sisterhood/join-sisterhood.  To learn more about Lights Fashion Philanthropy, visit lightsfashionphilanthropy.com.

LINDSAY R. CHANCELLOR is a freelance writer based in Riverside and is currently working in marketing and digital media.