Last Monday in celebration of the 5th anniversary of LEAD Uganda, supporters came together to enjoy a fashion show and silent auction while sipping wine or champagne and munching on delectable hors d’oeuvres, such as glazed chicken, crispy falafel and spinach pies at Barbounia Restaurant. A collaboration of models delivered a stunning show, strutting in beautiful dresses and tunics designed by top New York fashion designers. “It's a really great cause,” says Ugandan fashion model Camilla Barungi (in photo above), "The image of the African child is always the starving kid. To see kids yearning to get an education is inspiring. That's what I like about LEAD Uganda. They give the kids an excellent education. In Africa education is an absolute luxury - the only way out of poverty. There is no middle ground. If these kids are not given a chance, their future is doomed." A silent auction offered a variety of items for people to bid on including the designer dresses, premier wine and liquor packages, a private chef for two, and tickets to Saturday Night Live. The largest grin in the room was worn by the man who won a date with one of the models.

photo: Albie Hecht of Worldwide Biggies puts a HOPE necklace on Susan MacLaury of Shine Global.

The HOPE necklaces made by Rose, mother of LEAD Uganda students Moses and Shakirawere a big hit. Hand made from strips of paper, then glazed into beads, these colorful necklaces will help children in Uganda receive education and leadership skills so they can help their country. They sold out at the event.

HOPE Neclaces be purchased on our website:

http://www.leaduganda.org/buy_necklaces.html

We want to thank all the guests for joining us and supporting our children. .

A special thanksis owed to the companies who made this event a success: CRT/tanaka, NBC, Coca-Cola, Union Square Hospitality Group, GenArt, Food Nework, Vina Real, Pure Yoga, Homedics, Rioja, Village Printing, The Design Studio, Sweet Pieces, Chinatown Ice-Cream Factory, Windows on the World Wine School, Sweet Deliverance, and Camaje Restaurant.

photo: Gaurav Butani and Jessica Lutz of TunicLove talk with Stephen Shames.

We thank the following people who contributed their time and energy: Jonny Santos, Kathy Blake, Danny Meyer, Kevin Zraly and, Patrice Tanaka and Tony Angeline.

Last but not least, let's not forget the designers and the models, the stars of our fashion night. Thank you to the designers who donated magnificent garments: Mara Hoffman, who has presented collections in the past two New York Fashion Weeks, donated a strapless, orange and fuchsia, bohemian dress. Kevin Christiana, head designer and partner of labels “Christiana Zinn” and “MYNT 1792” and former contestant on the hit television show Project Runway, donated a light yellow short sleeveless dress with a tie belt. TunicLove, an online store devoted to fine designer tunics and passionate about helping children in need, donated two tunics.  A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz, a brand offering affordable couture clothing, donated five dresses. Cesar Galindo (photo), who has designed garments for Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein, donated an off-the-shoulder black satin gown. Thank you to the following models for wearing them: Amanda Alter, Lauren Aichinger, Kimberly Davis, Alex Arace, Ren Croney, Wendy Barton, Kari Smitherman, Alexandra Voukitchevitch, and Camilla Barungi, who adds, "Back stage it was great. The hair people worked tirelessly. The girls all got along. It was so much fun. I can't wait for the next one."

Donate

LEAD Uganda has two premium contribution levels: Sponsor and Patron. Sponsors and Patrons receive a photo, letters from their student, and progress reports from us. Sponsors pay all costs for one child — $150 a month. $150 a month — $5 a day pays for everything a child needs to succeed: school fees, books, clothes, medical care, workshops in math, science, computers, and leadership, emotional support, counseling, and a family. Sponsors are assigned a student. They receive monthly letters from their student, and progress reports from us. They may also receive photographs, drawings, and other materials. Patrons donate $50 or $100 a month. $100 a month - $3 a day - pays school fees (tuition), plus room, and board, books, and uniform at one of the best high schools in Uganda.

$50 a month - $1.50 a day - covers school fees for one scholar at a top school.

Patrons receive letters from students and progress reports from us. They are not assigned one student.

Please give what you can. Every donation helps.

$25 a month covers workshops in leadership, video, science, and writing, transportation home during school breaks, school visits, and staff support for one student. $10 a month buys school supplies. clothes, shoes for one child. $5 a month provides medical care and books for one student. Please help a child achieve his or her dreams. All contributions make a difference.

LEAD Uganda is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible. ALL EVENT PHOTOS: ©2009, Ron Jautz