Strut for Sobriety! Event raises money with fashion show – San Diego Downtown News

By Diana Cavagnaro

New PATH presents the 18th Annual Strut for Sobriety! Sept. 17 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The event opened with a boutique and silent auction. Stacey Pecor provided music for all the guests. After a fun morning of shopping, guests headed to the Silver Pearl Ballroom for the luncheon and fashion show. Visionary Dance Theater all sat down and saluted. Mary Jean Anderson, president/CEO of Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air, was honorary chair and Liz Crocker and Judy Lawton were event co-chairs.

Mistress of ceremonies was Genie Cavitt, TV personality and NBC 7’s Rory Devine.

PATH announced awards for recovery—the first went to Maria Alexander, executive director of the Center for Living and Learning, and the second went to Jaime Ardodo Sanchez Lira, assistant professor in the university’s School of Public Health and Social Policy. Victoria, BC Both have been recognized for their work in reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders. Shelby Perry was the guest speaker and shared her inspiring story of recovery. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Perry, manager of San Diego Beach Sober, shared her grueling experience with addiction and recovery. Next, auctioneer Erin Liddell took the stage to lead the live auction. A variety of two-night stays were auctioned off to go towards this fundraising effort.

The crowd eagerly awaited the fashion show organized by Gretchen Productions. Gretchen Burns is known for her high energy of fusing fashion and entertainment together. The models walked down the runway wearing the latest fall fashions from Macy’s and other local boutiques. Performances by San Diego Ballet’s Sophie Taylor, visionary dance, and many amazing singers such as the Tre Tenores have been performed alongside each other.

This event coincided with September’s National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Awareness Month. New PATH is a non-profit working to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. They support treatment rather than punitive drug policies. Proceeds benefit New PATH whose projects include lifesaving overdose prevention and Narcan distribution. For more information, visit anewpathsite.org

upcoming events

FWSD22 runway shows The Andaz will feature a 10-piece collection from the designers from 6-10 pm on October 8, followed by a trunk show on the second day on the rooftop. For tickets, bit.ly/3SyMCC6.

Kenneth Balis presented the 10th annual event Saturday October 22 from 4pm at Port Pavilion Broadway Pier. Visit kennethbarlisofficial.com/ for tickets.

– Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in Alpine, California. Learn more about the hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.