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. 

CHARITY LEAGUE FASHION SHOW

Tricia Jetton, Fashion Show and Silent Auction Chair, left, with Elizabeth Phillips, president of Charity League of Charlotte. Photos by Daniel Coston

The Charity League's 30th Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction Luncheon at Carmel Country Club started on a perfect note: Quail Hollow Middle School String Quartet performed as guests mingled and viewed the hundreds of items up for bid. All proceeds from the event benefit Charity League, a historic nonprofit founded in Charlotte in 1921 to address the needs of area children. Details: www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org. 

During the luncheon, the Quail Hollow Middle School Chorus sang and WBTV anchor Molly Grantham emceed the fashion show. Perry's Fine, Antique & Estate Jewelry was among the businesses supporting the event and Diamonds Direct donated a gorgeous piece of jewelry for the raffle prize. 

WBTV anchor Molly Grantham was emcee of the fashion show. 

Models showed off clothes from Chico's at StoneCrest and adorable children's fashions from Matilda Jane. Tammy Schumacher and her stylists at Carmen! Carmen! salon at Belk at SouthPark mall did the hair and the makeup was from Laura Mercier. 

All the models gather after walking the runway. 

The adult models were friends or family members of Charity League members including Marshalle Peay, president of the Pine Valley community where Charity League operates a library and reading program for the neighborhood's children.

Some of the children from the library walked the runway along with children and grandchildren of Charity League members.