As members of the Las Vegas community gathered at Scarpetta inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, it felt like a homecoming. The 20th annual Fashion Luncheon made its highly anticipated in-person return to the venue in late November with over 180 community members in attendance. Together, attendees raised more than $1 million in a single afternoon to support the Make-A-Wish mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

After conducting last year’s luncheon virtually for the first time in event history, attendees were dressed to the nines for the welcomed reunion – many wearing the pieces of this year’s featured designer, Chloé.

“It feels so good to be back together,” Fashion Luncheon Committee Chair Linda Richardson said as she welcomed event guests. “To be able to see you and talk to you about these kids and the impact that you are making by showing up today, it just feels incredible.”

Richardson has long been a champion of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, chairing the committee and inspiring those around her to act in support of the organization and its efforts. Her efforts have inspired many, including her own daughter and fellow Fashion Luncheon Committee Co-Chair, Melissa Akkaway. For her extraordinary fundraising efforts over the years, Richardson was recently recognized by Make-A-Wish America as the organization’s 2021 Philanthropist of the Year.  

But this day was all about showing up for the kids. Former board chair Melissa Warren opened the event by sharing stories of her personal connection to wish kids through the years and Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada President & CEO Scott Rosenzweig told the heartfelt wish stories of children battling critical illnesses during the lively wish auction. 
 

Stories like Kalie, who wished to be a supermodel; Maya, who wished to have a Cinderella Ball; and Maria, who wished to be a published author. After her heartfelt video played, Maria stepped up to the podium to share her story of how getting her wish granted provided her with the hope she needed to move through an otherwise very dark time in her life. How it allowed her to start dreaming about her future again after worrying that she might not have one. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

The afternoon was filled with raffle prizes, mingling, silent auction bidding, excellent food, and a Chloé fashion show. Fashion Luncheon Committee Co-Chairs Linda Richardson and Melissa Akkaway then led a lively Wish Auction, a vital component of the event’s success and an essential part of expanding the organization’s mission. After the event’s fundraising efforts concluded, the numbers were in. Together with the help of the Fashion Luncheon attendees, over $1 million was raised to support the Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada mission.

After spending the past year apart, bringing the community together provided hope and joy for attendees as well as future wish children who will benefit from the group’s generosity. Thank you to Linda Richardson and the Fashion Luncheon Committee for their flawless execution of another successful event; Shannon and Bill McBeath for arranging the event venue at Scarpetta in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Chloé for providing the incredible fashion show; MAWSNV volunteers, staff and wish kids; our event sponsors (see below); and all of the event attendees who opened their hearts to our mission. 

We can’t wait to see you again next year.    
 

• Linda Richardson, Chair
• Melissa Akkaway, Co-Chair
• Kristine Creel, Co-Chair
• Vanessa Breitling
• Shannon McBeath
• Victoria Otter
• Gina Schonfeld
• Judy Stone
• Barbara Stout
• Debbie Swissman
• Helene Walker
• Kristin Winchell
   

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Featuring looks from: Chloé

Wish Innovators: 
-    GreenbergTraurig
-    The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank

Wish Trendsetters:
-    Bombard Electric, LLC
-    Konami Gaming
-    Design Build 

In-kind partners:
-    Scarpetta
-    Destinations by Design
-    The Creel Family
-    Encore
-    Cashman Photo
-    Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Nevada