Details

Published: February 26 2014

Tammi DeFrancisco (COG President)and Gina Conti (winner of a designer handbag courtesy of The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills) with event models.

SUNRISE, FL  – Nearly 300 distinguished guests gathered for the Children's Opportunity Group's (COG) 65th annual charity luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. This fashionable event, with help from Sawgrass Mills, proved to be a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for a variety of worthy local causes.

"We enjoy opportunities to support local causes while showcasing Sawgrass Mills' unparalleled retail selection," said Joellyn Fellmeth, regional director of marketing at Sawgrass Mills. "With so many new luxury and name brand outlet stores now open, Sawgrass Mills is proud to support Children's Opportunity Group again, as well as other local organizations, by adding a fashionable touch to their events."

During the luncheon, charitable fashionistas reveled in designer looks courtesy of The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. This unique presentation, which was styled by Jodi Belden, former senior associate accessories editor for ELLE Magazine, gave event-goers a taste of the luxurious retail collection available exclusively at Sawgrass Mills. Top designer brands found at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills include, Diane von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari, Escada, Jimmy Choo, Piazza Sempione, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino and more.

Plus, attendees had the opportunity to bid on an array of incredible gifts in an effort to help underprivileged children in South Florida. Gina Conti, the luncheon's grand prize winner, went home with a fabulous Tory Burch handbag, which was seen during the fashion showcase presented by The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. As part of the incredible prize package, Conti will also enjoy a shopping outing for herself and ten friends, including transportation to and from The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills in a luxury Mercedes shuttle with champagne on board, lunch at P.F. Chang's China Bistro, personal greeting and concierge services at The Colonnade Outlets and special gift bags.

Co-chairs of Children's Opportunity Group's annual luncheon included Tish McCauley and Elizabeth Greaton Stephany. Founded in 1949, COG has a long standing tradition of helping underprivileged children in Broward County and is comprised of fifty women dedicated to supporting and enriching the health, education and welfare of the less fortunate. Past charitable recipients include: Ann Stork Center, 4 Kids Foster Care and Brookwood of Florida. For more information, visit http://www.childrensopportunitygroup.org/index.html.