August 30, 2011 – The Shane Victorino Foundation’s (SVF) founders, Phillies’ center fielder Shane Victorino and his wife, Melissa, hosted their second annual All-Star Celebrity Fashion Show, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and Caesars Atlantic City, on Thursday, August 25 at The Union League of Philadelphia. Close to 500 supporters attended the event and more than $325,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation’s mission to help underserved children in Philadelphia and Hawaii.
“Thanks to our sponsors, friends and supporters, we were thrilled to host our second annual Celebrity Fashion Show at the historic Union League,” stated Victorino. “It was a very special evening and we’re overwhelmed that we raised more than $325,000 for our Foundation. Melissa and I are thankful to my teammates and to all who made Thursday night possible, especially Saks Fifth Avenue and Caesars Atlantic City.”
Celebrities who joined Shane and Melissa on the runway included Cole Hamels, Jimmy and Johari Rollins, Ryan Howard and Krystle Campbell, John Mayberry, Jr., Hunter Pence, Michael Stutes, Chase Utley, Ben and Cindy Francisco, Antonio Bastardo, Brian Schneider, Jamie and Karen Moyer, Billy and Melanie King, Bernard Hopkins, and Kyle Nakazawa. Joe and LeeAndra Blanton, Vance Worley, Michael Schwimmer, Coach Pete and Nancy Mackanin, Coach Rich and Maureen Dubee, Danny and Amy Bonaduce, Governor Ed Rendell, Heidi Hamels and Jennifer Utley were also in attendance.
The benefit began at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a runway fashion show, dinner live auction and program. The cocktail reception featured the LAGOS Diamond Champagne Raffle, where guests had a chance to win a LAGOS Diamonds & Caviar bracelet.
During the program, the Victorinos received a special plaque from children of the Nicetown Boys & Girls Club, a facility that the Foundation pledged close to $1 million dollars to renovate and will re-open on September 22 as the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, the Victorinos presented Jamie and Karen Moyer with the inaugural “Harry Kalas Strong Voice in the Community Award” for their continued dedication to serving children in the Philadelphia area.
Auction items included autographed Phillies’ All-Star jerseys; a trip for two to Maui with accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Maui; LAGOS Embrace Collection by Steven Lagos 18kt and diamond caviar necklace and hoop earrings; personal meet and greet with Celine Dion at Caesars Las Vegas, New York Fashion Week tickets to the Marc Jacobs show and a private dinner for 12 with Shane at LeBec Fin with Chef George Perrier.
Added Melissa Victorino, “The Fashion Show is one of the Foundation’s most exciting and beneficial events to present and we are thankful to Shane’s teammates , Saks Fifth Avenue, Caesars Atlantic City and everyone who helped us make year two an even greater success than our inaugural event. We are excited to continue to grow this event each year.”
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