Event: Fashion Gives Back

A Fashion Benefit Show Presented by History Starts Now

Date of Event: June 14th, 2010

Location: Stone Rose Lounge

Name of volunteer organization: History Starts Now

Chair Name: Kristina Lee Grandstaff

Vivanista recently spoke with Entrepreneur, Ambassador, and Fashionista, Kristina Lee Grandstaff to find out more about her organization: History Starts Now, and her upcoming event: Fashion Gives Back.

What is it about Fashion Gives Back and History Starts now that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?

I founded History Starts Now in 2008 after attending a Women’s Conference in New York City and hearing testimonies of young girls that had been trafficked in our own backyard, I knew I had to do everything I could to fight against this horrific crime. I rallied up a group of young philanthropists in my life and since our launch in April 2009, we have held awareness event and partaken in speaking engagements to educate individuals on the topic.

What will be special about Fashion Gives Back this year? Will there be any surprises?

There is nothing like pairing a mission with fashion in Columbus Circle! Our team is incredibly thankful to be hosting for the second year in a row at Stone Rose Lounge. We are working with an assortment of designers and wonderful sponsors. The fashion show itself is based on the theme “Just Beneath the Surface.” We are going to position male models on the stage to represent victims in bondage as chic female models walk the runway around them. This is meant to depict how most New Yorkers go about their daily routines unaware of this injustice going on right in our backyard. To complete the evening, we have Kat Rohrer, Producer of the documentary “Fatal Promises” showing her trailer. This is truly going to be an amazing year!

What constitutes success for you with regards to the fashion show?

Hoping that aside from the glitzy spring fashion show, individuals leave with a true call to action and realization that modern day slavery is the highest it has ever been. That there are children all around this world that are enslaved in bondage and it is going to take the help of everyone to make this injustice come to an end.

What are the greatest challenges you’ve had to face?

Child trafficking is a subject that many find hard to talk about. Getting people to open up to let us share the stories of victims at times has been challenging because many are so awful and horrific; it is often hard to hear them. Also deadlines have been a challenge! But by grace, we have an amazing team working together on our projects.

What can other Chairs learn from your experience?

I believe we can always learn and be sharpened so I truly love to learn from my mentors. Having a positive attitude is important and realizing that everyone is truly fighting their own battles, so I feel having heart and compassion to others is something I continually try to do. Lastly, perseverance, this is one of the most important ingredients in life.

Have you chaired other charitable events?  If so, please name them.

Yes, believe it or not, 11 other successful events in a year all for History Starts Now, including :

1.)    TCNJ Dancing with the Stars

2.)    New York City Launch, W Hotel

3.)    Georgetown Law, Washington D.C.

4.)    Redeemer School Carnvial

5.)    Fashion Gives Back 2009, Stone Rose Lounge

6.)    Live Jazz at Pranna

7.)    Salt and Light Art Gala, Philadelphia

8.)    City Lights Gala 2009, Aspen Social Club

9.)    For the Love of the Children, Flander’s Valley

10.) Fashion For Reform, Chicago

11.) Fashion For Freedom, Minneapolis

What are you wearing to the event?

I usually try to keep my wardrobe classic. A white dress, turquoise necklace and nude heels.

What is your fundraising motto?

“Leave a Legacy” (We are just tapping into the fundraising season.)

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

Compassion, Perseverance, Dedication, Passion, Heart

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?

Website, Newsletter, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

Charity: Water Ball. I learn so much watching the leadership of Founder Scott Harrison. He is such a humble down to earth man!

What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?

Twitter donations! Fundraising through social media done the right way can be very successful.

Favorite Quotations:

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”  -Audrey Hepburn