THE ULTIMATE POWER LUNCH

Paradigm Award-winner Jill Dinwiddie is surrounded by women who are also dedicated to making a positive impact during the Dress for Success Charlotte Ultimate Power Lunch fundraiser. All Photos By Daniel Coston.

The Ultimate Power Lunch is Dress for Success Charlotte's major annual fundraiser. Held at the The Fillmore on Sept. 26, it celebrated the nonprofit's mission of empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and delopmental tools. 

Legendary philanthropist Sarah Belk Gambrell with Dress for Success executive director Kerry Barr O'Connor. 

Janice and Larry Elder, Bernie Hargadon, Joan Zimmerman and Jill Dinwiddie. 

A highlight was the presentation of the Paradigm Award to Jill Dinwiddie, whose many accomplishments include being a founding member of the Dress for Success Charlotte Community Advisors. She urged guests to make an effort to reach out and start a dialogue with those who have different backgrounds and beliefs, and to always remember that one person can have an impact.

Curtis Roy, the top fundraiser at Dress for Success Charlotte's Stiletto Swagger fundraiser, escorted the models on stage during the fashion show. 

The models with emcee Maureen O'Boyle, left, and stylist Suzanne Libfraind, right. 

A fashion show featured models who are Dress for Success clients: Kathryne Foster, Maribel Garcia, Sylaine Hood, Patricia Love and Dewana Sewell. They wore clothes from the nonprofit styled by Suzanne Libfraind, owner of Wardrobe Consulting and the personal shopper for SouthPark mall. The makeup and hair were by The Daily Details. Emcee Maureen O'Boyle and Dress for Success Charlotte executive director Kerry Barr O'Connor moderated the fashion show. 

Dress for Success Charlotte board chair Carolyn Clarke with executive director Kerry Barr O'Connor. 

The almost 400 guests at the sold-out luncheon enjoyed a Tuscan-inspired menu from Dress for Success Charlotte supporter Janet Woodson of La-tea-da's Catering. Everyone received  a Swaggerer of the Month Calendar showcasing photos from the nonprofit's fun Stiletto Swagger where businessmen from the community briefly strut around in heels at Freedom Park to raise money for the organization. 

A guest poses with a swaggerer in his high heels.