 Telemundo interviews Carlos Arturo Zapata, haute couture designer. |
Hot high fashion paraded down the runway to the sound of cool live music as the spirit of generosity soared during the first annual Fashion for Friends fashion show and fundraising event benefiting Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a network of orphanages in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Students from the College of Business Administration played an important supporting role during the star-studded evening, with members of the college’s Graduates Reaching Out Worldwide (GROW) organization coordinating fundraising and publicity, plus pulling together a team of twenty event-night volunteers.
Held on November 14, 2007, at the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, this elegant evening brought together more than 450 celebrities and high-profile guests from the South Florida community. Guests enjoyed live music by Warner recording artist Nazareno Andorno while feasting on delicious international foods, cocktails courtesy of Bacardi USA, and fine wines provided by Graziano’s restaurant.
Fashion show emcees Iliana Garcia and Osvaldo Rios, both well-known Latin American entertainers, energized the crowd as the spotlight shone on the haute couture designs of renowned designer Carlos Arturo Zapata.
“We helped Fashion for Friends run smoothly—and had some fun along the way.”
—Soulange Kruger (BBA ’01), GROW vice president in charge of public relations
 Models pose for pictures after the fashion show. |
“We helped Fashion for Friends run smoothly—and had some fun along the way,” said Soulange Kruger (BBA ’01), GROW vice president in charge of public relations. “We handled guest registration, received donations, directed attendees to their seats, and helped with food and beverage service. Wherever we were needed, we were there to help.”
The stars align for a worthy cause.
Keeping the guests focused on the purpose of Fashion for Friends, Father Rick Frechette, a priest and medical doctor who is the founder of the Nos Petits Freres et Sœur orphanage and Hôpital Saint Damien just outside Port au Prince in Haiti, delivered a short presentation. He shared his unique perspective on a healer’s role in a devastated land and spread his inspirational message of hope among the attendees.
“This evening brought to light many of the issues that affect the homeless and disadvantaged children of Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Pete Blanco, Friends of the Orphans Regional Board treasurer and financial advisor at New England Financial, one of the event’s sponsors.
“We raised more than $60,000 for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, and we raised awareness about ways to support the less fortunate children of the world.”
—Sherman Humphrey (BA ’05), GROW vice president
 From left to right: GROW members Sara Quilcate, Maria Elena Landrau, Soulange Kruger, and Camilo Telles |
“Fashion for Friends met its goals in every way,” said Sherman Humphrey (BA ’05), GROW vice president. “Working closely with Friends of the Orphans, we raised more than $60,000 for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos and, perhaps most importantly, we raised awareness about ways to support the less fortunate children of the world.”
Other event sponsors included B&A Image Consultants, Casa Diris Floral Designs, Complete Cooking Concepts, Fiji Water, Jianella Fusion Cuisine, Latin’s Talent Agency, Pevonia Botanica, Santos Sangria, Shoma Homes, and Sweet Dreams Cakes.
