The Arc of San Diego will present the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 1. You won’t want to miss this amazing runway show presented by style personality Leonard Simpson with MC from the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance,” Mary Murphy (above). This event features some of the finest trends in style and benefits life-changing programs at The Arc of San Diego.
Murphy is an American ballroom dance champion, accredited dance judge, and former judge and choreographer on the Fox dance competition-reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” She has an impressive list of competitive accomplishments, including winning the prestigious Austrian National Championships and creating her dance academy, Champion Ballroom Academy. Murphy’s extensive experience in ballroom dance, coupled with her vibrant personality, has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Winter Wonderland takes place at The US Grant, 326 Broadway. Doors open at 10 a.m. with check-in, shopping boutique, and silent auction followed at noon by luncheon and runway show. Guests will have the opportunity to support The Arc of San Diego while shopping at local boutiques and bidding on alluring auction items. Proceeds help The Arc of San Diego continue providing essential life services such as day training, employment, and residential living services to more than 2,000 children and adults with disabilities.
The event is chaired by Maria Stanley and her daughter Cici Drummond, and Laura Applegate and her daughter Erica Ram, all dedicated local philanthropists and supporters of The Arc of San Diego. Honorary chairs are Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein. The honorary committee is made up of Dee Ammon, Marla Black, Judy Burer, Vicki Eddy, Arlene Esgate, Judi Gottschalk, Daran Grimm, Roxi Link, Nayda Locke, Christina Maggiora, Cheryl Mitchell, Ludvina Nevarez, Phyllis Parrish, Clarice Perkins, Kristi Pieper, Sandy Redman, Barbie Spinazzola, Peggy Stern, Kathryn Vaughn, and Maggie Watkins.
Simpson is a style personality and creator of Fashion Forward, an internationally known fashion production company with more than two decades of experience producing high-style fashion shows, television segments and Broadway-style shows nationwide. He also designed an award-winning jewelry line carried at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and became the youngest person ever to win the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion.
The Winter Wonderland Honorary Committee Tea was held at The US Grant Hotel in the Chaffee Court on Oct. 27. Guests included the event chairs, honorary chairs, and honorary committee. The tea was a prelude to the highly anticipated fashion extravaganza.
The Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive service provider for people with disabilities in San Diego County, serving over 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome each year. For more information on The Arc of San Diego, visit arc-sd.com.
