Some of the country's most successful women who are at the top of their careers and who have impacted Bahamian society in positive ways, and/or displayed a spirit of humanitarianism will rip the runway this weekend -- all in the name of charity for the 2nd Red Dress Soiree -- a runway show, cocktail reception and silent auction designed to educate, raise awareness and funds to further the efforts of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and its work with adolescents affected and infected with HIV/AIDS.
The women committed to strutting their stuff on the catwalk for charity and the category for which they were selected include, Lady Joan Foulkes, wife of former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes; Dr. Nicolette Bethel, theater arts; Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, culinary arts; Inga Bowleg, business; Pat Walters, communications; Dr. Tracey Halkitis, health; Karen Carey, tourism; Eldece Clarke, sports; Lisa Sawyer-McCartney, education; Candia Dames, journalism; Antoinette Russell, banking; Patrice Ellis, religion; Amanda Lindroth, creative arts and Marisa Mason-Smith, civil society.
The women will unveil the custom-designed pieces sewn for them by some of the country's top fashion designers tomorrow at the British Colonial Hilton hotel in the Governor's Ballroom. The red carpet is at 6:30 p.m., the runway show at 7 p.m., and a silent auction and cocktail reception to follow. All proceeds benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.
"It is indeed an honor to be in the company of such an amazing group of women. I've certainly made it a point to prioritize philanthropy throughout my career, and while I've given of my time and resources, this will be the first time this conviction has taken me to the catwalk. I guess it can now be said that I would do many things in the name of charity," said Inga Bowleg, who was chosen in the business field.
"The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is to be commended for the great work it is doing in our country. The Red Dress Soiree is only one of several fun filled, creative events hosted by the foundation to further its efforts in assisting those affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS.
Maillis-Lynch, who was chosen to walk the runway because of the fabulous work she's done in the culinary field, said she was honored to be a part of the cause, and that her dress will be hot.
Participating designers include Brynda Knowles, Jeff St. John, Fenna Mae Lopez, Sabrina Francis, Judy Deleveaux, Theodore Ellyett, Phylicia Elllis, David Rolle, Apryl Burrows, Indira Moss, Kathy Pinder, Patrice Lockhart, Javotte Bethel and Rachel Garcia.
"What I love about the Red Dress Soiree is that it's not only a fundraiser, but we're recognizing women in the community who are successful in whatever they're doing and some of the women are humanitarians. We're also recognizing Bahamian designers and highlighting the incredible creativity of our Bahamian designers," said Lady Camille Barnett, Bahamas AIDS Foundation president.
More than 15 luxury packages will be silent-auctioned at the bi-annual charity event, offering patrons the opportunity to bid on luxury items and services, trips and excursions. The silent auction packages offer bidders complete experiences and access to the best products and services in The Bahamas. They include the "Foodie Package" with more than $1,500 in gift certificates in New Providence. Sponsors include the One&Only Ocean Club, Goodfellow Farms, Olive Meze Grill, Luciano's of Chicago, Tru Bahamian Food Tours and Cheesecake Heaven.
Family Island getaways abound in the "Take it Slow Package" including trips to Kamalame Cay in Andros, Cape Santa Maria in Long Island and Pineapple Fields in Eleuthera, inclusive of airfare by SkyBahamas, Bahamasair and Southern Air.
The "Have a Stay-cation" packages include accommodations at The Cove, Atlantis; Comfort Suites and A Stone's Throw Away.
People with a taste for adventure can bid on the "Thrill Seeker Package" which includes dive packages from Stuart's Cove and Bahama Divers, an Exuma excursion on Powerboat Adventures, helicopter rides courtesy of Bahamas Helicopters as well as gifts from Dolphin Encounters and Seahorse Sailing Adventures.
Liquor connoisseurs can bid on the "It's Wine O'clock Package" which will feature a champagne and wine tasting courtesy of Young's Champagne as well as selections from Bristol Cellars, Burns House and John Watling's.
And after all the indulgence, Club One and New Providence Community Centre have donated six-month memberships for the "Break A Sweat" package that is perfect for those people looking to hit the gym.
The Red Dress Soiree was staged in 2012 for the first time and organized by Tyrina Neely. It was so successful that the
Bahamas AIDS Foundation had wanted to do it again in 2013, but Neely was unable to. Lady Camille asked Neely if they could just take over the event. Neely agreed and offered to help where she could.
A new component to the Red Dress Soiree will be the creation of a 2015 calendar which will be shot by photographer Scharad Lightbourne, featuring the women in red along with their designers. The women and their designers will be photographed in creative ways at Sapodilla Estates. Lady Camille is hoping the calendars will be ready by the AIDS Foundation Ball in November.
Tickets for the Red Dress Soiree are $100 and are available at The Bahamas AIDS Foundation on Delancy Street, Imperial Optical and Commonwealth Fabrics.

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