Fashion First Beneficiary, Rise n' Shine, Makes a Difference for Kids Impacted by AIDS

Yesterday, Rise n' Shine was featured in a King 5 News coverage for their work to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Fashion First Seattle is very proud to be supporting an organization like this.

Read the story below:

RISE N SHINE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR KIDS IMPACTED BY AIDS
King 5



by JOHN SHARIFY / KING 5 News
Posted on May 24, 2012 at 5:45 PM
Updated yesterday at 6:38 PM

“It was bad and I was angry. And I was scared,” said Ryan Hutchison, as he looks back 17 years.

Ryan was 13 years old then and had just received the devastating news about his father.

“I learned that he was gay and that he had AIDS,” said Ryan, who now lives in Austin, Texas.

Ryan didn’t know where to turn. His mom knew a place she hoped would ease her son’s pain and help him get through the most difficult time in his life. It was a place called Rise n' Shine.

“We created family,” said Janet Trinkhaus, who founded Rise n’ Shine almost a quarter century ago to help kids affected by AIDS. “What I believe family is, in the truest sense, you are there for your family members always.”

The hallmark of the non-profit is matching each child with an adult mentor who commits to four hours a week with a child for a year. Linda Chauncey was one of those mentors back then, matched up with a 13 year old named Ryan.

“He was a wonderful human being then at 13,” said Linda tearfully. “All those things were there. “

Linda, who is currently the Associate Dean of the Culinary Program at Seattle Central Community College, took Ryan to restaurants and museums. They did fun things together. They were in each other’s lives.

“And we talked about everything,” said Linda.

And even though the mentorship was supposed to last a year, in reality, it lasted a lifetime.

With Rise n' Shine, Ryan Hutchison received the best gift of all: a lifelong friend, whom he hadn’t seen in 10 years, until the other day.

“How ‘bout a hug?” were the first words out of Linda’s mouth after all these years.

They have a lot of catching up to do. Linda will learn that Ryan is paying it forward. He’s a development director for a non-profit that has programs to help children. Hutchison came back to Seattle to help Rise n’ Shine with a fundraiser.  He told the donors that at Rise n’ Shine no one judged him.

“Nobody passed judgment on my having a gay dad with AIDS,” he said.

And he told them about his mentor, Linda Chauncey, who helped him get through those impossible times.

We all love happy endings. When I interviewed Ryan, I assumed his father had passed and I asked him how he dealt with his father’s passing at such a young age.

“He’s not dead,” Ryan told me. Turns out, Ryan’s dad survived and 17 years later is alive and well - a proud dad, no doubt, to see how his son has turned out.

Linda Chauncey shares that pride.

“You’re such a charmer Ryan,” Linda tells Ryan.

“You know why?” Ryan responds.

“Did I rub off on you?” Linda asks.

“You did rub off on me,” says Ryan.

Lucky Ryan and lucky Linda for having each other and for knowing this friendship, that began such a long time ago during some very dark times for a teenager, will last a lifetime.

For more information about Rise n’ Shine and the services they provide, including their membership program, you can go to risenshine.org. They’re always looking for volunteer mentors.

And speaking of mentors, the mentor of ALL mentors is the non-profit’s founder.  In June of 2011, Washington State Mentors honored Janet Trinkhaus with the 2011 Champion of Mentoring Award.

Support RISE N SHINE at Purses of Interest

Baby's got a brand new bag. Come out on Thursday October 6th at 6pm to the Rise N Shine Purses of Interest event and support the cause, swap a gently used purse for one you love more, and maybe even win a cool prize!

REGISTER at Rise N Shine

Let's START the SHOW at FASHION FIRST Seattle 2011

Raise Your Bid Cards for Rise N Shine

How about a peek at the auction items we'll have for your bidding pleasure this Thursday? MC'd by John Curley, the Live Auction will kick off the evening's festivities and help raise money for RISE N SHINE, a local organization that provides mentors and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Before the auction, during the VIP reception, look for our "Dine Out All Year" raffle tickets and you may walk away the lucky winner of our drawing for 12 fabulous Seattle restaurant gift certificates. Only $25 to win 12 prizes from hot spots like Pearl, Spur Gastropub, Munchbar, and more!

Auction packages include:

Showbox SODO - You'll be rocking out at the Showbox SODO with 2 show tickets a month all year long! Includes 2 drink tickets each month PLUS Miranda Lambert at the Puyallup this Saturday.

Huskies, Luxe - Experience a UW Husky game in style as you and 3 friends arrive by boat at Husky Stadium on September 24. After a cruise with champagne and fabulous appetizers, you'll be ready to cheer on the Huskies vs. Cal.

Party for 25 at Canlis Glass Studio - Hosted by J.P. and Leigh Canlis, you and 24 of your friends will enjoy appetizers from Perfect Pair, wine pairings, and Dillettante chocolates at the gorgeous studio where Canlis Glass originates.

Pampering Package - A year of haircuts at 7 Salon, a year of tanning at Seatle Sun Tan, teeth bleaching from Dr. Rhys Spoor, dinner for 2 at Mistral, and a "Mary" Satchel from Evolve45 handbags.  Don't you feel better just thinking about it?

Parc Waikiki on Oahu

Owner's Table at SIP - Enjoy a five course dinner for 8 with wine pairings at the owner's table at SIP. Issaquah or Seattle location.

Seven Days in Paradise - Spoil yourself at the Parc Waikiki Hotel on Oahu. You'll experience the best Hawaii has to offer at this gorgeous hotel, including surfing lessons and dinner at Nobu. Package includes r/t airfare for two.

Neiman Marcus Shopping Day for 6 - bring 5 of your best friends to Neiman Marcus in Bellevue for facials, lunch at Mariposa, a private fashion presentation, and shopping tips from FASHION FIRST founder, Joan Kelly.

Chateau Ste. Michelle - Two tickets to any concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle, a room at Willows Lodge, and a Chef's Dinner for 8, with wine pairings, in the Private Library.

Sun Valley Getaway - Spend a glorious week in Ketchum, Idaho at Rob Angel's riverfront house. This getaway is for up to 10 people and is good in summer or winter.

Sweet Sounders Suite - Give your full 90 from a Red Zone Suite on the pitch. Suite fits 14 people and the package includes 5 parking passes, a ride in a Cadillac, and a meet and greet with James Riley.

We'd like to thank all the amazing donors for supporting FASHION FIRST and RISE N SHINE.  The auction kicks off the fashion show on Thursday, so DON'T BE LATE!! We want to see your bid cards in the air!

For tickets to FASHION FIRST click HERE

Meet the Sponsor: SEATTLE SUN TAN

How much do we love Seattle Sun Tan?

More than words. They've been a long-time supporter of FASHION FIRST and we were so excited to have them step up as a Top Tier Sponsor this year. From prize drawings to swag bag donations to twitter promotion, they are all about supporting Rise N Shine and local businesses while growing a mini-empire of the best-equipped, most gorgeously-designed tanning salons in the Northwest.

You've seen Seattle Sun Tan founder Scott Swerland in our prize drawings with Joan, now get to know him and his business a little better with our interview and video:




FF: What makes your company one to watch in Seattle?
SS: Seattle Sun Tan is adding employees and stores monthly. We have grown from 4 stores in 2008 to over 30 in 2011.

FF: Why do you support FASHION FIRST and Rise N Shine?
SS: First off, because of Joan. She is a determined philanthropist and a good friend. Rise N Shine is a great organization and we as the Seattle Sun Tan team are proud to be involved and help support.

FF: What are you looking forward to at the show on Sept 15th?
SS: A good seat next to great people.

FF: What makes Seattle a special place to live and work?
SS: Seattle is a hotbed for new exciting ideas and companies. We are fortunate to have such a vibrant city with wonderful people. There's a great blend of social as well as business opportunities.

FF: What are you looking forward to this Fall – in trends, things to do, and in your business?
I am looking for the economy to even out. The roller coaster effect is getting tiresome. That said, Seattle Sun Tan is hiring and looking for great people.

FIND Seattle Sun Tan all around the Puget Sound, at 30 locations to serve you. Visit SeattleSunTan.com for locations.

Head's Up!! Watch for a special promotion from Seattle Sun Tan in your FASHION FIRST Program on Thursday!

Support RISE N SHINE at Detlef Schrempf Gala

 The 18th Annual Detlef Schrempf Celebrity Gala & Auction is coming up this June 25th at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

With a 'Cirque du Celebrite' theme, this is certain to be the see-and-be-seen event on the Eastside this summer, so don't miss out on the Auction, Dinner, and Dancing with Live Music.

The best news is that the event benefits Rise n' Shine, the organization that assists children affected by HIV/AIDS, and also the 8th Annual FASHION FIRST Beneficiary.  Tickets are available through June 10th at Detlef.com

 

FASHION FIRST SUCESS!

The 7th Annual FASHION FIRST was a huge success! We raised over $50,000 for Rise N Shine and showcased the best new Fall trends and merchandise straight from local, independently-owned retailers on both sides of the lake.

Stay tuned to the blog today to see video and photos from each set.  And in the meantime...get shopping! All the looks you saw last night are in stores NOW.

In Seattle:
Asher Anson  - 'urban Seattle' looks for men & women - Ballard Ave near the Admiral theatre
The Finerie - sophisticated finery - 1st Ave near SAM
Sway & Cake - on-trend celebrity style - 6th Ave next to Nordstrom
Clutch - Seattle's only handbag boutique - 4th Ave in the Fairmont Olympic
Zovo Lingerie - you saw it through the scrim :) - University Village


On the Eastside:
DNA 2050 - denim and edgy casual - The Shops at the Bravern
Chez Chic - flirty and hot for women, and men - Lake St. in Kirkland
Ragamoffyn's - designer consignment treasure trove - Park Lane in Kirkland
Lizzie Parker - wearable fashion with an eco sensibility - Gilman Village in Issaquah
La Ree Boutique - designer and contemporary cool - 103rd off Old Main in Bellevue

And...opening today for just TWO DAYS: the Seattle Magazine and FASHION FIRST Shopping Week Out POP UP SHOP at the Bravern.  This shop will be open today and tomorrow, featuring local designers like WYATTORR, from last night's show.

Captain Keith Gets the FASHION FIRST Treatment

Think FASHION FIRST is just for the femme set?  Au Contraire! Check out our friend Captain Keith Colburn, from TV's Deadliest Catch - as he let us spiff him up before tomorrow night's big show.  Yah, you'll see him in the audience.  Thanks, Captain Keith for supporting FASHION FIRST and RISE N SHINE!

Fashion First Cleans Up Captain Keith from Brett Renville on Vimeo.

Swagger and Swag

Over at RISE N SHINE, some dedicated volunteers are filling the swag bags for front row FASHION FIRST guests! Thanks to all the companies who contributed...we'll give you a closer peek on Thursday, but for now...

Want to be one of the lucky guests who take home a full swag bag? You must get your COUTURE or READY-TO-WEAR Ticket before they sell out!

Going Once....Going Twice...

How about a peek at the auction items we'll have for your bidding pleasure this Thursday? MC'd by John Curley, the Live Auction will kick off the evening's festivities and help raise money for RISE N SHINE, a local organization that provides mentors and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Auction packages include:

Neiman Marcus Shopping Day for 6 - bring 5 of your best friends to Neiman Marcus in Bellevue for facials, lunch at Mariposa, and shopping tips from FASHION FIRST founder, Joan Kelly...oh, and major swag bags!!

Owner's Table at SIP - 5 course dinner for 8 with wine pairings at the owner's table at SIP.

Showbox SODO - You'll be rocking out at the Showbox SODO with 2 show tickets a month all year long! Includes drink tickets.

Chateau Ste. Michelle - Two tickets to any concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle, room at Willows Lodge, and a Chef's Dinner for 8, with wine pairings.

Seven Days in Cabo - Who doesn't want to escape grey Seattle for a little Mexican sun in the winter? Stay in a studio at Hotel Finisterra, includes RT air from Seattle.

Seattle Package - Enjoy some of Seattle's best! A ride in a Maserati, dinner for 4 at El Gaucho, and a night at the W Hotel.

Pampering Package - A year of haircuts at 7 Salon, a year of tanning at Seatle Sun Tan, teeth bleaching from Dr. Rhys Spoor, dinner for 2 at Mistral, and a year membership at David Barton Gym.  Don't you feel better just thinking about it?

Freaky Friday Halloween Fete - $100/couple to the amazing Halloween costume party at Steve Jensen's Art Studio on Capital Hill, Oct 29th.  Glamazonia is your hostess!

Party for 25 at Canlis Glass Studio - Hosted by our celeb model, Leigh Canlis, enjoy a catered dinner, wine, and chocolates at the gorgeous studio where Canlis Glass originates.

Sway & Cake Party - Bring 24 of your friends to Sway & Cake where owner Tamra Donaghy will host, some hot Seattle Police Officers will serve up wine and hors d'oeuvres, and you'll enjoy a ride in a Maserati and a $500 shopping spree.

We'd like to thank all the amazing donors for supporting FASHION FIRST and RISE N SHINE.  The auction kicks off the fashion show on Thursday, so DON'T BE LATE!! We want to see your bid cards in the air!

For tickets to FASHION FIRST, visit www.FashionFirstSeattle.com

New Fashion First BFF Ticket Package!

FASHION FIRST is best experienced with a friend.  That's why we created a special limited-time General Admission ticket offer: the FASHION FIRST BFF ticket.  For just $80, you'll get two GA tickets {regularly $50 each}.

This offer is limited to the next 100 GA tickets sold, so buy yours now before the deal sells out!  Your BFF will thank you :)

We also currently have a limited amount of Front Row VIP tickets available. Don't miss out on the swag, the excitement, the FRONT ROW view and your chance to give even more to Rise N Shine, our 2010 beneficiary.

All tickets, including the FASHION FIRST BFF ticket, $50 General Admission, and VIP seating are available through our website, www.FashionFirstSeattle.com

Announcing SHOPPING WEEK OUT: Sept 10-18 2010

Seattle Magazine and FASHION FIRST are thrilled to present the biggest shopping event Seattle has ever experienced, the first ever Shopping Week Out. Held September 10–18, Shopping Week Out features weeklong sales and discounts at a multitude of clothing shops, big and small, on both sides of the lake, including FASHION FIRST Line Up retailers like La Ree Boutique in Belleve, Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier in Issaquah, and Sway and Cake and The Finerie in Seattle.

In addition, a percent of proceeds from all sales during the event will be donated to the 2010 FASHION FIRST beneficiary,Rise n’ Shine Foundation, which provides emotional support and education to children and teens that are affected by HIV/AIDS.

“The Greater Seattle area is home to numerous unique shopping venues from Bellevue to Downtown to the region’s many neighborhoods,” says Seattle magazine associate publisher John Spear. “Much like the highly anticipated similar event in New York, Shopping Week Out will be a city-wide celebration and help stimulate the local economy at a time most needed by local fashion retailers.”

FASHION FIRST is excited to be part of this inaugural event, and we'll keep you posted as events are scheduled!

Follow SHOPPING WEEK OUT on Facebook and online for up-to-the-moment news

Tickets ON SALE now for FASHION FIRST 2010!

You're invited to join us at Showbox Sodo September 16, 2010 for the 7th Annual FASHION FIRST fundraiser, benefitting Rise N Shine. Seattle's longest-running independent fashion show hits the runway to showcase the absolute latest in Fall fashions from local designers and independent boutiques.

Tickets start at just $50 and VIP tickets are available for an early bird price - save $50 when you buy them NOW. BUY TICKETS before FASHION FIRST sells out!

No other event in town brings fashion and philanthropy together quite like FASHION FIRST does. This year, we'll be joined by Leigh Canlis in the Seattle Magazine dress by students from the Art Institute of Seattle, and surprise secret guests will walk the runway in the male celeb set. Stay tuned to the blog, Facebook and Twitter for the latest info, and get the latest and greatest info by joining our email news list at www.FashionFirstSeattle.com

Thanks for supporting FASHION FIRST!