August 1, 2011
Contact:  Chelsea Horrigan
        312-666-1331 ext. 3552
        Chelsea.horrigan@chicagolighthouse.org

Find designer “FLAIR” up to 80 percent off to benefit people who are blind

Sept. 24-25, 900 North Michigan Shops and Saks Fifth Avenue partner to support fashion fundraiser

For one weekend only, The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is hosting a designer showcase in the 900 North Michigan Shops on the fifth floor, called FLAIR: Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy.

FLAIR will feature an array of new and gently pre-owned designer clothing and accessories, boasting labels from St. John, Burberry, Tahari, Christian Dior, Armani, MaxMara, Donna Karan, Yves St. Laurent, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, and much more priced up to 80 percent off the original retail value!

These incredible fashion finds will be available on Saturday, Sept. 24th from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25th from 12 noon to 6 p.m.  Admittance into the FLAIR treasure trove is $10 for one day of shopping, and includes one raffle ticket for incredible fashion prizes!  Guests may park in the 900 North Michigan Shops Parking Garage up to three hours for $13 with validation.

The sale opens with a VIP fashion show and breakfast at Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.  Hosted by Sherren Leigh and Cassandra Gaddo from Today’s Chicago Woman, the Saks fashion show will feature the best of FLAIR and feature models who are sighted, visually impaired and otherwise disabled.  Tickets to the VIP show are available for $100 and include early entrance to the Flair pop-up shop from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

“This fashion show and sale will be completely accessible to the visually impaired and disabled community,” said Chicago Lighthouse President & Executive Director Dr. Janet Szlyk.  “I want to thank all of our wonderful sponsors, especially Saks Fifth Avenue, which has shown unbelievable dedication and extreme generosity in our planning efforts!”

Dr. Szlyk also noted that FLAIR could not be possible without the support of 900 North Michigan Shops, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Golden Needle Tailors, Sweet Petal florist, St. Germain liquor and all of the donors who contributed to the sale.

To purchase FLAIR fashion show or sale tickets, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org/FLAIR or call Special Events at 312-997-3679.

About The Chicago Lighthouse:
The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is “Because there is still hope,” was founded in 1906, and is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies.  Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.