Fundraiser: The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Discarded to Divine
Date: Thursday, April 29
Beneficiary: Society of St. Vincent de Paul San Francisco
Chairs: Lisa Salamone (left) and Amy Love (right)
Event411: Donated clothes are transformed into one-of-a-kind fashions and home décor, auctioned to benefit those suffering from poverty, homelessness and domestic violence. The event includes an exclusive VIP party before the silent auction and cocktail reception, closing with a live auction.

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

The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps our city’s forgotten: the poorest of the poor, the homeless who struggle with addiction, undocumented women and their children fleeing from domestic violence. As volunteers with the Society, we work these people directly, handing out clothing, serving food, holding parties for the children. Inspired by their bravery and the dedication of the professional staff, we wanted to help raise funds to give them hope, but more, to let the world know about them. Discarded to Divine gives us an opportunity to do both and have fun at the same time. As people see the amazing items made out of unwanted clothing, we hope they will begin to see the human promise of each of our clients.

What will be special about the event? If this is an annual event, what will be new elements added to this year’s event?
Each year we have been able to offer a greater variety of exquisitely crafted items. Last year we expanded our categories to include home décor so that we truly offer something for everybody. In this our fifth year, we are particularly excited as contributions from our long-term supporters Colleen Quen and Cari Borja are joined for the first time with designs from On Aura Tout Vu, Christopher Collins, David Pedroza and Project Runway favorites Sweet P and Jay Nicolas Sario. We love the fresh looks from our city’s design schools: FIDM, SFSU, Academy of Art University, Art Institute of San Francisco and City College of San Francisco.

2009 Creations

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

While we both have backgrounds in business management (Lisa as head of Gap’s adult line, Amy as a technology project manager), events are different and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love working collaboratively with all the talent who support this event.

What will be the most compelling event element?

The silent auction gives you a wonderful opportunity to see the exquisite construction of each item, but nothing beats the excitement of the live auction. We expect this year to be the best of all, with View from the Bay’s Nick Smith as our master of ceremonies and Bonhams and Butterfields’ Patrick Meade as auctioneer.

What was the best charity event you’ve ever attended and why?

We’re in awe of Macy’s Passport, developed by our committee member Bette McKenzie. But as long as the cause is right, the food is good and the company congenial, we’re happy. We love our church crab feeds.

What are three words that best describe the two of you?

Irreverent, indefatigable and grateful.

[Feature photo by Gabriel Harber]