Fundraiser: “Gathering On The Green”: Parca Auxiliary ‘s Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show
Date: Wednesday, May 26th
Chairs: Taryn Sutton (pictured left) and Kate Parsons (pictured right)
Beneficiary: The Parca Organization
Event411: This year’s luncheon and fashion show will take place in an elegant garden on a beautiful Hillsborough estate. While lunching on gourmet fare, guests will enjoy a fashion show featuring classic American sportswear designer Tory Burch and a menswear collection from Wilkes Bashford. The luncheon will also include live and silent auctions and raffle prizes.

What is it about the organization that made you willing to take on the role as event Chairs?

KP: The Parca Organization is a private, nonprofit group, serving people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Bay Area since 1952. The Organization has a rich history of providing high quality programs, services and advocacy to children, adults and their families. These programs provide opportunities for disabled people to experience choice, control and individuality in every aspect of their lives. Our Auxiliary’s annual event, a spring luncheon and fashion show, makes the funding of these programs possible. Because the funds raised from this event make such a huge difference in the lives of the Parca clients, I decided that I wanted to do my part and help run this event.

TS: When I joined Parca 4 years ago, I was sleep deprived with young children and was interested in forming new friendships and getting involved in my new community. Slowly over the years, Parca has become a place where I really feel I can make a real difference in peoples’ lives. I have become more involved and have become more familiar with Parca. This year was my year to really give back to an organization that helps less fortunate people. And it gave me the opportunity to form solid lasting friendships!

What will be special (the WOW factor) about this year’s event? If this is an annual event, what will be new elements, if applicable?

KP:  The setting and home are amazingly beautiful and will be such a treat for our guests to see. We are thrilled to be featuring the Summer 2010 designs of Tory Burch on our main runway as well as Wilkes Bashford for men. Our décor will be exciting and fresh and our auction is filled with fabulous packages!

TS: There are lots of different things going on this year! We will have two fashion shows – one for local vendors during the silent auction and one for our larger designers and vendors. We will also be incorporating childrens this year in our fashion show – always a crowd pleaser. We will have the luncheon on two separate levels of the property providing access to the real beauty of this year’s venue.

What constitutes success for you with regards to the specific event you’re chairing?

KP: I feel as though the event can be a success in two ways: if our guests walk away having had a great time and knowing a little more about Parca Org and the wonderful things it does for the clients. We will also measure our success by the money raised.

TS: My goal is to have a sold-out event and make sure our guests have a better understanding of the organization and the people it serves. If our guests walk away talking about the pretty house, the rocking fashion show, the yummy food and the cool auction that raised some money, we will be very pleased.

What background do you have to take on the role as Chairs?

KP: I have 10 + years in event planning experience. I am currently a Marketing Program Manager at Oracle. I plan over 60 events a quarter and have added this event to my long list of to-do’s.

TS: I have always worked in the communications or event management fields. I was in advertising for 10 years, producing television commercials for clients like Budweiser, Foster Farms Chicken and Sega. Then I began working for an event management firm which handled large events for Oracle and Sun Microsystems. After than, I worked in floral design (my true passion) and now currently co-own ‘Pocket of Posies’ with another Parca member, Michele Sloat.

What is your fundraising motto?

KP: It takes a village!

TS: Don’t be afraid to ask – they can only say no!

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?

KP: We are trying to expose the Parca Auxiliary to the community through various multi-media outlets. We have updated our website, we have a Facebook account and we are really encouraging our Auxiliary members to talk about Parca with their friends.

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

KP: Women wearing hats at luncheons!

TS: Parisols on sunny luncheon days!

[Feature photo of Parca Auxiliary President Julie Lev with luncheon co-chairs Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni and Lara McDonald, by Jennifer Baccioco]