The Runway of Hope Fashion Show and Gatsby Gala
By Judy Gordon-Conde and Jennifer Conde-Powers
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Greater San Juan recently held its unprecedented fundraiser, the “Runway of Hope” Fashion Show and Gatsby Gala at the beautifully decorated Patio Del Fauno Ballroom of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. The glamorous lifestyle of the 1920s was everywhere in the lovely decorations of the gala activity, which featured well-known fashion designer Sonia Rivera debuting her 2022 Spring collection and celebrating 40 years in the fashion industry.
Women glided by in their finest boas, sparkling beads, and feathers during the glitzy event and were greeted warmly by the lovely Christy Collins of Collins Designs & Co., the event chairwoman, in a full-length, shimmering silver gown. Also, the ladies and attending gentlemen dressed in pinstripes with top hats sipped on champagne and nibbled on delicious tapas while enjoying the welcome reception featuring opera singer Laura Rey and the Jazz Quartet of the Cannon Club.
The proceeds of the extravagant gala event benefited the Salvation Army’s Family Services program helping families facing difficult personal moments and crises. As part of the donation, guests bid on fine items and gift certificates in a silent auction and enjoyed many other excellent amenities to make the ‘Runway of Hope” an unforgettable evening.