Fashion Without Borders Benefit by Pan African Association

Fashion Without Borders is a show for all you fashionistas interested in giving back into the community. The show is a presentation by the Pan African Association, a nonprofit organization in Chicago, Il. Their first benefit which was held last year was a huge success and so for all of you who may have heard of it last year but could not make it, here is your chance! 

Pan African Association (PAA) was created in 2003 to serve and empower refugees and immigrants from Africa and beyond, in the Chicago area. PAA provides their clients with an array of services that help them and their families with an end goal of successful integration into American society. The programs that they offer to their clients to enable them to transition successfully include workforce development, English literacy, health and wellness, case management and citizenship/immigration programs. This event aims to fundraise and promote this crucial work to ensure the continued success of PAA’s programs in Chicago.

“We are so pleased to have this opportunity to share the tremendous work Pan-African Association does to assist the refugee population in Chicago. The fashion show also allows us to promote local designers, while empowering our own clients through their participation in the show,” stated Patrick Augustin, Executive Director of PAA.

At the show guests will be able to connect with the clients that will benefit from the proceeds. One of PAA's former client will be the guest speaker for the event, talking about their journey. Last year's benefit raised over $35,000 and this year they hope to raise even more. What sets PAA apart from other resettlement agencies is that they provide aid for 5 years unlike other resettlement agencies that only do so for a year, they ensure that their clients are in a manageable situation. Due to the quality of aid and moral support provided they form a special bond with their clients.

The benefit, Fashion Without Borders this year will be held on the 20th of April, 2017, at the Ivy Room at 12 E Ohio St. The Evening will start with food and drinks along with a silent auction which will be followed by the main event the runway show. The participating designer's clothing will be showcased on the runway by the organization's clients, as well as their own traditional attire. 
The emcee for the event is stand-up comedian and DJ, Brett Walkow who has been featured on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, HBO and at the MGM & Harrahs Casino in Las Vegas. Performances by Congolese group Beto Bantu and master drummer Prince Malonga will also be the highlights of the evening.  

For those of you who cannot make it this year and are interested in the silent auction you can visit their website or download the HandBid app on your smartphone. 

For more information, visit www.panafricanassociation.org/2017-benefit.

To purchase tickets, visit www.handbid.com/auctions/fashion-without-borders. General admission tickets are $100. VIP tickets are $150 and include priority seating and designer discounts.