The fashion is the compassion at a one-of-a-kind fundraising event being held in support of Newmarket’s at risk and homeless individuals Oct. 12.
The Inception High Tea will feature the eclectic fashions of an array of designers combined with live performances and music, all in support of Inn from the Cold, which provides a warm place to stay, meals and other support to those in need from November to April.
A desire to showcase local talent and support a cause close to her heart inspired Newmarket resident Shirin Ganji, 26, to organize the event with the help of volunteers, Janis Luttrell, Logan Bales, Jody Davis, Gail Neale and Patricia Del Brocco.
Ganji, who has volunteered for the 7 to 11 p.m. shift at the Inn for nearly three years, said, “The Inn provides a vital service in our community. It’s important to support the people who are in these circumstances — and anyone can be in this situation. I have learned never to judge.”
Ganji put out a call for submissions and selected five designers, including Dee Silkie and Jane Jacobs textiles.
Fashion personality Dee Silkie is the creator of the Dose of Dee Podcast, which features interviews with fashion industry leaders and celebrities, and is the creator of Silkie Girl fashion, a line of clothing made mostly of silk that is hand dyed and printed in-house.
Textile artist Jane Jacobs who lives in Newmarket, creates one-of-a-kind textiles with silk, wool, and handmade felt. Using plant matter, minerals, metals and food waste, her various dye techniques give each garment a unique story.
The other designers are Jeff Marchment, Elizabeth Aguilar and Annemarie Lourenco.
Ganji hinted some of the fashions are “slightly outrageous”.
The performers — the fashion models — are the Army of Sass, Stouffville Academy of Music & Dance, Jewell Cormier and York Harmony Chorus. The musicians are Steve LaRouche, The Jay Dee Band and Ryan Duane Music.
“It will be two hours of non-stop entertainment,” Ganji promised.
Tea will be served, of course, as well as the little sandwiches and sweets that typically accompany a high tea.
Her goal is to raise $10,000, which would require selling all 190 tickets, she said.
And as much as this event will give back, Ganji said she has received much in return from the experience of volunteering at the Inn.
“I’ve always believed I have a duty to give back, but this is not just about giving back to my community. I have learned from the guests at the Inn — it’s a safe place to have a conversation, an environment where there is a flow of positive energy, where there can be a mutual and authentic learning experience.”
The charity event is Friday, Oct. 12, doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St.
Tickets, $45, can be purchased at Soup Pa on 228 Main St. S. or online here. A discount is available for tables of eight.
