Michigan Avenue Magazine Presented Its Second Annual Cause Celebs

Michigan Avenue Magazine presented Cause Celebs – November 16, 2011 On Wednesday evening at Water Tower Place, Michigan Avenue Magazine honored eight Chicagoans who combine “fashion and philanthropy.” The venue was as unique as the event – the 7^th floor of Water Tower Place, part of the space that Lord & Taylor used to occupy. Santa Barbara Wines provided an exceptional selection of reds and whites along with “festive light bites” served up from Mity Nice Grill. Upon arrival, each guest purchased a $20 raffle ticket, the proceeds were placed in one of seven envelopes to benefit the chosen organizations of the honorees. The “celeb” who raised the most money was given an additional $1,000 to benefit their cause. The winner of the evening was Kristen Amato, owner of K.Amato Jewelry, a costume jewelry line sold in 250 stores and nine countries, and the Kristen Amato collection, a gemstone line sold on television on ShopNBC. Amato’s charity of choice was the Chicago Fashion Foundation, which she has served as president since 2007. The foundation awards scholarships to students specializing in fashion-related subjects and organizes educational programs for the local fashion community. The other seven celebs honored were Chris & Trey Berre for the Bow Tie Cause; Jon Cotay for Imerman Angels; Azeeza Desai Khan for South Asian Young Women Entrepreneurs; Agga B. Raya for Greenpeace; Quenten Schumacher for Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus; and Jana Smith for Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association, Inc.

Atelier AZZA showcased its Spring/Summer2012 collection on models who mingled with the crowd throughout the evening. AZZA’s dresses are elegant, stylish and very feminine. My favorite dress is the purple show stopper gown, absolutely fabulous.