I was sad to hear that the next major Fashion Cares event will be held in 2010. They hope that sponsors and volunteers jump on board for next year's bigger and better event - here is what they have to say.
Fashion Cares, held this past November 1, was a resounding success – both critically and in its goal of raising much-needed funds for the programs and services of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). Unlike previous years when the event was held in the spring, ‘Fashion sCares' was shifted to the fall to allow more time to plan and execute a truly spectacular event that has been hailed as one of the premier events in Toronto.
In order to continue to build on this success, organizers have decided to take a longer planning horizon. “It takes a tremendous amount of time to pull together this event,” says Meredith Marr, ACT Director of Development. “In addition to staff time, there are also the countless hours contributed by volunteers. To be a success and to raise money for ACT, time is needed to secure corporate sponsors, book talent, stage the fashion show, mobilize volunteers, arrange for supplies and market the event”.
Organizers also believe that a longer planning timeline is needed due to the current economic environment. ”We have decided that using 2009 as a bridge year for sponsors and patrons will ensure we are well positioned to make Fashion Cares 2010 spectacular and the most memorable yet,” says Michael King, the Volunteer Chair of Fashion Cares. “We're encouraging key volunteers, sponsors and others to start the wheels in motion now for Fashion Cares 2010.”
“Because ACT's programs and services are so critical to people who are living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, we are encouraging those who have attended the event to make a donation to ACT in 2009,” adds King. “With sustaining support we can continue to provide much-needed practical, emotional, vocational and other support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in our city.”
Meanwhile, ACT will be focusing on a number of Fashion Cares satellite events in 2009 and will announce further details on those events in the coming months. ACT will also continue to develop its other major fundraising events – the annual AIDS Walk for Life Toronto held in September, and SNAP!, a photographic art auction held in the early spring. In addition, ACT will be expanding its efforts to engage individual and corporate donors to help meet its mission.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Brett, ACT Communications Coordinator, 416.340.8484 x 225 or abrett@actoronto.org
