RANCHO SANTA FE — Combine haute couture with charity and compassion and the result is The Country Friends 2010 Art of Fashion fundraiser held Sept. 23 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
As in years past, the event included luncheon on the lawn, a runway fashion show and an “après affaire” wine tasting. Shopping was available throughout the day at designer boutiques presented for the sixth consecutive year by South Coast Plaza.
But rather than donate all proceeds to one charity, as The Country Friends has traditionally done, the 55th annual Art of Fashion will benefit 18 organizations. They include the Down Syndrome Association of San Diego, Foster Grandparent Program of Catholic Charities, Community Resource Center, San Diego Blood Bank, Women’s Resource Center, Operation Homefront, Canine Companions for Independence and Conner’s Cause for Children.
Prior to the event, organizers secured approximately $100,000 in sponsorships.
Fox 5 San Diego meteorologist Aloha Taylor was mistress of ceremonies for this year’s event, which honored two longtime The Country Friends members, Betty Zable and Betty Mabee.
“They epitomized The Country Friends,” Andrea Naversen, event chairwoman, said. “They were true classics.”
The Country Friends is a philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by a group of Rancho Santa Fe women with a mission to “help people to help themselves.” The group raises funds for human care agencies that help women, children and the elderly in San Diego County. As part of its fundraising efforts, The County Friends also runs a consignment shop in Rancho Santa Fe.
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