CHARLOTTE JARRETT EVENTS: Fashion Takes Flight

I consider myself to be very lucky. I have amazing friends and family, I live in a great city, I get to do what I love every day, and I lead a generally happy life. One thing that makes me happy is being able to give back to the community. I have always been this way. I don't think it makes me a better person, and I don't do things because I feel obligated to, or because it's what everyone else does. I do it because I enjoy it, and it makes me feel good to know that a simple act of kindness can go a long way in making others happy.

Living in DC, there is a different charity event every night. It's just what people do here. I wish other cities were more like DC, because if everyone was as involved in charity work as the amazing people that call this city home, the world would be a much better place. Think about it...if you're going to go out and have a drink, it might as well be for a good cause, right?

People who grew up in Annapolis will tell you that they feel an immense amount of pride for the Naval Academy and everything that it represents. We are proud of our military men and women, and there isn't a single person in that town who hasn't been to a Navy football game or gone ice skating at the Navy Ice Rink.

When I moved to DC, becoming involved with Luke's Wings was a no-brainer. They are an amazing non-profit organization that buys airline tickets and accommodations for wounded warriors and their family members. When a soldier is recovering in a military hospital, having their family by their side can really help during their recovery process. I know that if someone close to me was in the hospital for an extended period, I would want to be there as often as possible.

Luke's Wings does a couple of major events a year. The first event I helped with was their first annual homecoming gala, which was held at Reagan National Airport on 11/11/11. Lindsay Kin, the Executive Director, and Fletcher Gill, the Co-Founder asked me to help them with their fourth annual Fashion Takes Flight event. I was so honored, and SO excited to get started!

I was lucky to work with such an amazing team. Lindsay, along with Kristen Murdock, Mackenzie Miles and Nichole Devolites had all been involved with the event since its conception. The event has grown every year, and we knew that this year had to be the biggest and the best.

The event was held at Nationals Park on February 4th, 2012. Gourmet hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails by Van Gogh Imports, and Peroni Beer were served in the Stars and Stripes Club overlooking the baseball diamond. Several designers were showcased, including Nam Nguyen, Walish Gooshe, Donovan England, Streets of Georgetown, and Ella Rue.

Let's Talk Live's Natasha Barrett was our MC for the evening, and Deejay Neekola provided the music. Guests went nuts over the photobooth provided by Pixelated.

The overall event design was made possible by eventEQ, who did the lighting and A/V equipment, Party Plus Baltimore who did the runway and all the chairs and linens, and Intrigue Design and Decor who made the most fabulous centerpieces. The event was captured by the incredibly talented Vithaya Photography