Fashionable Fundraising for the Anti-Cruelty Society

Bloomingdale’s in Chicago was the place to be March 26th. Benefitting the Anti-Cruelty Society, this year’s Chosen Man’s Best Friend and Factor Felines Event was a success even before the night started. The 4th annual fundraiser boasted more than $3,000 in donations before the first model hit the runway. “We had a great turnout of about 300 people and were excited to raise $6,300 for The Anti-Cruelty Society,” said David Love of Chosen Model Management. Guests enjoyed an expertly produced show as models donned the latest spring fashions, sharing the spotlight with adorable four-legged friends.

Ten percent of sales generated went to furthering the efforts of the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago. The organization has been educating the public on the humane treatment of animals and providing services and refuge for homeless pets since its early beginnings in 1899. Representative Mary Mills explains the mission. “[As] Chicago’s oldest and largest open-admission, unlimited stay humane society…our mission is building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people.”

When Love realized over four years ago that he could give back to an organization that saves thousands of cats and dogs each year, he started planning. The first fundraiser was held at Rockit Burger Bar in 2012 and has grown each year since. Now, Chosen Model Management and Factor Women Model Management are bringing this mission to the public in a big way. By producing a fun, engaging environment in which event guests can interact with the animals, the Anti-Cruelty Society is provided with one more platform to share its message.

Bridget Halanksi of Factor Women shared her thoughts on the evening. “I think the biggest thing with us in the fashion industry is that it is a superficial world, so it’s nice to give back and use our talents and event planning and our representation with models and actors and use that for a good cause.”