St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a nonprofit organization that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host the 47th Annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in Downtown (1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101). This year’s theme, “London Calling” is a celebration of British fashion and culture. London’s rich fashion heritage is known for pushing boundaries and blending sophistication with bold street styles. This show’s runway styles will showcase the tailored and timeless elegance of one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals. This fabulous event will open with live music, shopping, a silent auction, and free-flowing champagne. Shortly after, guests will be dazzled by surprise performances and entertainment, a delicious full-course gourmet meal, a live auction, and the main event: a one-of-a-kind fashion show that captures the chic spirit of London. The runway show will also highlight the shining students at SMSC. Each year, students are featured in the show, strutting in styles and showcasing their spectacular skills and confidence. The event promises an unforgettable evening of glamour, philanthropy, and community spirit — all in support of a great cause. All proceeds from the event benefit SMSC’s nationally recognized innovative programs that allow students to develop creative outlets, learn marketable skills, and gain a sense of independence and self-esteem. The organization combines a culture of care and creativity within quality programs to provide education, practical skills development, employment, and dignity for a lifetime. Over 350 students attend SMSC, ranging from recent high school graduates to seniors well into their eighties. This year’s event will honor Bev Ireland and have Ginger Poutous as the Honorary Chair. The Host Chairs are Robbin “Kulek” Lockie and John Lockie. The presenting sponsors are The Guild Hotel and The Mansour Group. Supporters can also choose to donate, as this year’s Haute With Heart has received a generous matching pledge. Thanks to the incredible generosity of June Rubin and Chris & Karen Ward, all donations made from today through August 2 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $65,000. Doubling your gift allows SMSC to increase efforts in supporting its programs and students who thrive at the center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets start at $225 for standard and $325 for VIP. All tickets include complimentary champagne during the pre-luncheon reception, a full-course luncheon, and complimentary parking. VIP tickets include premium runway seating, preferred valet parking, and complimentary wine during the full course luncheon. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.hautewithheart.org. About St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center: St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a nonprofit organization in El Cajon, CA, educates and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential. Founded in 1966 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Center first focused on pre-school children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When public schools began to assume that role in the early 1970s, SMSC shifted its focus to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, SMSC provides work training and social experiences that encourage students to become well-rounded, contributing members of the greater community. The Center also strives to educate the community about the realities of intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. It employs over 120 staff members and has a fleet of some 45 paratransit vans and buses transports students between home, campus, and work sites, five days a week. For more information, visit www.stmsc.org. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center on Facebook / Instagram
