Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Kicks Off Spring Gala
A special evening hosted by Jacquie Dorrance in her home on Nov. 2 kicked off table sales for the March 10, 2018, Fresh Start Gala at The Phoenician. Guests were treated to a Tuscan style dinner created by Chef Gabriele Bertoccini, and Bertoccini offered a private dining experience in his “Culinary Mischief” style to the first six guests who committed to a table. The tables sold quickly.
Designer Monique Lhuillier delighted attendees with a special appearance. She and her Spring Collection were invited by Neiman Marcus, who is partnering with Fresh Start for this year’s gala. Lhuillier was a featured designer more than 15 years ago in a runway presentation for Fresh Start’s annual fundraising event, at that time called the Fresh Start Fashion Gala and held at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The first gala drew 250 guests. Fifteen years later, 700 guests attend the event, and it is held at The Phoenician. This year, Lhuillier showed for the first time in Paris.
Dorrance, the 2018 Founders’ Award recipient, wore a brightly beaded Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress for the occasion, and guests enjoyed informal modeling of Lhuillier’s evening gowns.
Sally Odegard and Erin Essert are co-chairs for the spring gala.
PHOTOS BY HAUTE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY FRESH START WOMEN’S FOUNDATION