Here is an actual fact: what you take from your community, you should always give back. We all come from a family that lives in a neighborhood within a city that is part of a state; which makes a country that is located on a planet that is part of the universe. Can you see where this is going? When it comes to giving back to your community, you are also contributing to your nation and the world!

Large Charities

There are many different charities in the world and some are very endearing for many reasons. According to Forbes.com, charities in the United States raise billions of dollars a year to help people all over the world. From food to saving endangered animals, people in the United States do a great deal to help their fellow man and woman. On November 8, 2012, Forbes.com reported the largest U.S. charities listing the top 10 as:

1. United Way
2. Salvation Army
3. Catholic Charities
4. Feed America
5. American Red Cross
6. Food for the Poor
7. American Cancer Society
8. World Vision
9. YMCA
10. Goodwill Industrial International

People are mostly endeared to these charities because families and friends have been affected in one way or another by a tragedy in need of their support. Luckily, they were able to benefit from the charity allowing them to either get back on their feet or creating funding to help in research. Surprisingly, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure (the charity known for its pink ribbon) ranked in number 40, but it still raised an impressionable large sum of monies for the year at $235 million.

For the second year, I plan to participate in the 17…Days of Fashion’s 3rd Annual Media Reception and Kickoff Event that will be held in my hometown of Philly, PA.

17... Days of Fashion is a nonprofit organization with its 501(c)(3) application pending that was established in 2009 by the founding members of the Philadelphia Fashion Consortium (PFC). The member’s goal is to create an unparalleled event. With this mission in mind, they created 17…Days of Fashion. The annual event features 21 fashion events produced by local designers and industry professionals and it also incorporates education forums lead by leaders of the Delaware Valley and fashion community at large.

Each participating organization is also charged to give back to the community by raising money through the course of their event and donating to a charity of their choice. It is all about Community, Charity, and Couture!

The Kick-off will take place at Philadelphia’s hot new spot Aura Restaurant and Lounge on August 17, 2012 at 5pm. This year’s event will feature R&B superstar Ginuwine.

Ginuwine is currently in the studio recording his brand new solo album. He is also collaborating on an upcoming album with other R&B vets Tyrese and Tank to form the group TGT. When he is not laying down tracks, he is working with his charitable causes, Impact Broadway, S.P.R.U.C.E and of course, 17…Days of Fashion. Ginuwine is also looking to help the next generation of stars with Bag Entertainment Company that is dedicated to helping new talent succeed in the entertainment industry.

In addition to Ginuwine, the 17…Days of Fashion Media Reception and Kickoff Event will feature many notable guests including but not limited to: Dezzie (Praise 103.9), Carvin Haggins (Grammy Award Winning Writer and Producer), Mike Jerrick (Fox29), Curtis Jones (Councilmen), Sixx King (Director/Contributing Writer for Essence.com), Mo’Shay LaRen (Radio Personality 100.3 WRND), Bria Marie (R&B Singer), Sharon Phillips Waxman (President of SPW Productions), Dr. Marquita Williams (Psychologist and Advisory Board Member), and Lori Wilson (NBC10). Erika McDaniel of Your Chic is Showing is the planner for the 17…Days of Fashion Media Reception and Kickoff event and I look forward to what this year has to offer. I had a great time at the last one especially the Celebrities for Charity Event and the Smooches Models event featuring plus-sized models that were fierce!

Not only will I be covering it for my blog, but it will also be featured on the Beauty Equation website hosted by Nigel Barker formerly of America’s Next Top Model.

All fashion industry insiders and the public are also invited to attend the event. Those looking to attend can RSVP by Aug. 15, 2012 by contacting our event planner at eventplanning@yourchicisshowing.com.

To learn more about all the events that are planned for the 17 Days, visit: http://www.17daysoffashion.com

March 3, 2012- Philadelphia will be a part of history again in the world of fashion.  The One Night Only Gala will be taking place to celebrate the beginning of the 17…Days of Fashion as an official non-profit organization that gives back to the community by way of fashionable events throughout the city of Brother Love.

The creator, Anthony Henderson, is very excited about what the events have to offer. “Philadelphia is my hometown and has been a blessing to me and I want to be a blessing to my city and the people that make it so wonderful.”

“The idea of the 17… Days of Fashion is to support and celebrate Philadelphia’s endless talent in the fashion industry and also to draw people’s attention to the need to give back,” says Anthony. “There are so many people in the city that can use the support that we as a fashion community have to offer, and use our support to make the best of their lives and make this city, the place to be!”

The One Night Only Gala will be a cocktail reception that will take place at the View, located at 800 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA and will also be a night that some of Philadelphia’s fashion forward contributors will be acknowledged and honored for their hard works.

The honorees include:  Kharisma McIlwaine of CW Philly, Jenice Armstrong, journalist for Philadelphia Daily Newspaper, Lori Wilson, Anchorwoman of NBC 10, Sharon Phillips Waxman, President of SPW Production, Julie Wilch, Fashion Event Coordinator, and Tweety Elitou, fashion blogger and teen stylist, for the teen fashion blog, “Young, Hip and Chic”.

“I am very pleased to be acknowledged for the work that I have done, but I know that this is just the beginning, and I have so much more to offer my readers and my community,” says Tweety Elitou. “I definitely plan to use my recognition to bring awareness to my mission that is to help young women and men achieve their goals in education, and support my community through the art of positive expression.”

Those that are interested in attending the event can purchase tickets online at: urbantix.com/onenightonly and the cost is $100.

“I will tell you this,” says Anthony smiling from ear to ear. “The One Night Only Gala, I promise you, will be an event that you will never forget!”

To learn more about 17… Days of Fashion and the many events that will take place in the Philadelphia, PA visit: www.17daysoffashion.com