The A.E.R “Walk with Style” Benefit for CancerCare
The long-awaited 1st Annual A.E.R “Walk with Style Event” hosted by The Tesla Group finally arrived this past Thursday and it couldn’t have gone better! The night began with a fabulous red-carpet event. Those who graced the carpet were Crystle Stewart Miss USA, Alex and Simon from Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of New York City,” celebrity stylist Lauren Rae Levy, NFL players Michael Boley and Terrence Pennington of the New York Giants (Unfortunately Darren Sharper of the Minnesota Vikings could not make it), Jen Marden from MTV’s “The Girls of Hedsor Hall,” Real World Brooklyn’s Scott Herman, members of the R&B group “The Heights,” and more. One by one, the attending celebrities had their pictures taken in front of the step and repeat by the various media outlets and of course by the one and only Micah Jesse, who was also a co-host of the event.
Soon, the beautiful West Side Loft was filled with a great mix of people the guests ranging from NYC’s trendiest 20-somethings to middle-aged yet still fabulous professionals. The array of gorgeous attire was endless, and it was definitely a great networking opportunity for all. Guests also enjoyed complimentary cocktails and H’ors Dourves thanks to our generous sponsors and today’s hottest music brought to them by D.J. Mad Linx and DJ Jaz. The air was buzzing with comments of excitement about the night.
After about an hour of mingling and socializing, it was time for the guests to gather so that the event’s host, the beautiful and charming Crystle Stewart Miss USA, could welcome everyone and announce the evening’s sequence of events. The first guest speaker was a representative from CancerCare, Social Worker Julie Larsons, who told us a little bit about the non-profit organization’s free programs which provide free counseling and assistance for cancer recipients and their families and who thanked The Tesla Group for holding such a special event in honor of CancerCare. Next to speak was Darren Dewalt, agent of NFL player Darren Sharper of the Minnesota Vikings and living cancer survivor who briefly addressed his battle with the disease and his amazing feat of overcoming it. Lastly, the CEO of The Tesla Group Ahlilah Longmire spoke and expressed the event’s mission and its special significance to her, as cancer is an issue very close to her heart. Through the words of these speakers, we were reminded of the whole reason behind the A.E.R “Walk with Style Event” – to honor and support cancer recipients and their families and to make a difference for 2009.
Then came the silent auction hosted by Alex and Simon from Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Believe it or not, they are a lot cooler than they are depicted on the reality show! The pair emphasized the importance of supporting CancerCare programs and announced the silent auction items which were kindly donated to the event by Bobbi Brown, Pure Style Girlfriends, Udderly Smooth, Nooka watches, Catwalk Confidence, and more. With the help of Alex & Simon, attendees flooded the silent auction tables. As a result, additional funds were raised that The Tesla Group will be donating to CancerCare.
Finally, Crystle Stewart Miss USA charmed us yet again by introducing what everyone had been waiting for: the Shoshanna fashion show! Preceding the show was a dance performance to a Beyonce, Diva, and Lady GaGa power mix choreographed by The Tesla Group's top entertainment choreographer Jen James and her MIX'TDance dancers. Then, one by one the models “walked with style” down the runway in Shoshanna’s spring ’09 collection and Michael Antonio heels as onlookers and the media snapped hundreds of photographs. Among the models was Dee Vasquez from Hot 97 and Fuse TV, Kimberly Leemans from “America’s Next Top Model” cycle 9, and high fashion model Farah Zulaikha. It was definitely a fashion show no one will soon forget.
The A.E.R “Walk with Style Event” was enjoyable for all; it was a great success for The Tesla Group, and we were able to raise an estimated $3,000 for CancerCare. Thank you to everyone who supported us and contributed to what turned out to be a wonderful event that exceeded our expectations. We hope to see you all again next year!
Soon, the beautiful West Side Loft was filled with a great mix of people the guests ranging from NYC’s trendiest 20-somethings to middle-aged yet still fabulous professionals. The array of gorgeous attire was endless, and it was definitely a great networking opportunity for all. Guests also enjoyed complimentary cocktails and H’ors Dourves thanks to our generous sponsors and today’s hottest music brought to them by D.J. Mad Linx and DJ Jaz. The air was buzzing with comments of excitement about the night.
After about an hour of mingling and socializing, it was time for the guests to gather so that the event’s host, the beautiful and charming Crystle Stewart Miss USA, could welcome everyone and announce the evening’s sequence of events. The first guest speaker was a representative from CancerCare, Social Worker Julie Larsons, who told us a little bit about the non-profit organization’s free programs which provide free counseling and assistance for cancer recipients and their families and who thanked The Tesla Group for holding such a special event in honor of CancerCare. Next to speak was Darren Dewalt, agent of NFL player Darren Sharper of the Minnesota Vikings and living cancer survivor who briefly addressed his battle with the disease and his amazing feat of overcoming it. Lastly, the CEO of The Tesla Group Ahlilah Longmire spoke and expressed the event’s mission and its special significance to her, as cancer is an issue very close to her heart. Through the words of these speakers, we were reminded of the whole reason behind the A.E.R “Walk with Style Event” – to honor and support cancer recipients and their families and to make a difference for 2009.
Then came the silent auction hosted by Alex and Simon from Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Believe it or not, they are a lot cooler than they are depicted on the reality show! The pair emphasized the importance of supporting CancerCare programs and announced the silent auction items which were kindly donated to the event by Bobbi Brown, Pure Style Girlfriends, Udderly Smooth, Nooka watches, Catwalk Confidence, and more. With the help of Alex & Simon, attendees flooded the silent auction tables. As a result, additional funds were raised that The Tesla Group will be donating to CancerCare.
Finally, Crystle Stewart Miss USA charmed us yet again by introducing what everyone had been waiting for: the Shoshanna fashion show! Preceding the show was a dance performance to a Beyonce, Diva, and Lady GaGa power mix choreographed by The Tesla Group's top entertainment choreographer Jen James and her MIX'TDance dancers. Then, one by one the models “walked with style” down the runway in Shoshanna’s spring ’09 collection and Michael Antonio heels as onlookers and the media snapped hundreds of photographs. Among the models was Dee Vasquez from Hot 97 and Fuse TV, Kimberly Leemans from “America’s Next Top Model” cycle 9, and high fashion model Farah Zulaikha. It was definitely a fashion show no one will soon forget.
The A.E.R “Walk with Style Event” was enjoyable for all; it was a great success for The Tesla Group, and we were able to raise an estimated $3,000 for CancerCare. Thank you to everyone who supported us and contributed to what turned out to be a wonderful event that exceeded our expectations. We hope to see you all again next year!
