Salah M. Hassanein Memorial ‘Day at the Races’

The Salah M. Hassanein Memorial “Day at the Races” was scheduled for Aug. 20 at the Del Mar Racetrack. This was a tribute to Salah M. Hassanein and fundraising for Children’s Lifeline International. Hassanein was co-founder of this organization, which provides medical teams and surgical assistance to underprivileged children in developing countries. He is the former president of Warner Bros. and a longtime philanthropist. Although he passed away in 2019, this second annual fundraiser is continued on as a memorial to him.

6 westgate hotel — Zandra with her models for the annual Westgate Fashion Show in downtown San Diego. PHOTOS BY DIANA CAVAGNARO

Hassanein’s longtime partner, Dame Zandra Rhodes, flew here from London just for this special event. She was to be the honorary chair along with Paul and Mindy Aisen as co-chairs. The Hassanein family were presenting sponsors along with Richard and Adrienne Hassanein. Rita Hitchin was the auction chair. Hassanein and Rhodes have been fixtures on the San Diego social scene and have served on boards and chaired or co-chaired many charitable organizations here.

As the fates would have it, Aug. 20 was the day Hurricane Hillary was expected to reach San Diego. Even though it turned out to be Tropical Storm Hilary, the Del Mar Racetrack was closed. This was the second time in 84 years of the Del Mar Racetrack and the first time in the Lifeline’s history that they were canceled. Since this was a fundraiser, Children’s Lifeline International decided to set up an online auction at https://childli2023.ggo.bid

The auction includes some amazing items designed by Dame Zandra Rhodes. She is an international fashion designer from London who has been in the fashion industry for over 50 years. If you are interested in attending next year’s event, contact [email protected].

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 7 – “Walking in Harmony with Nature,” the second annual fashion show at Sycuan featuring 16 Native designers. For tickets: [email protected].

Sept.9 – Strut For Sobriety! From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Raises funds for A New PATH. For tickets, visit [email protected].

Sept. 14 – “Art of Fashions” luncheon and fashion show hosted by Country Friends and South Coast Plaza from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Raises funds for many nonprofits. For tickets: https://thecountryfriends.org/.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.