Hotel Valley Ho hosts extravagant fundraiser
By Megan Finnerty
Metromix
Those throwing charity bashes are trying a little harder these days.
For example, this past Saturday, I attended the gorgeously well done Viva Las Vegas fundraiser for the Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club and saw that not only were guests given more drink tickets than most could actually use, but also, as many cupcakes as they wanted from Lulu's Cupcakes. (And if you haven't had Lulu's yet, they will change your former-Sprinkles-loving life.)
Granted, there were also live bands, faux gambling tables and countless food stations up at CityNorth, but I was most excited about watching so very many pretty people eat so very many cupcakes.
But this Friday, Scottsdale-based marketing-firm owner Joe Patti will also be working extra hard to get the charity-minded out for his annual bash, this time benefitting Junior Achievement.
He knows it's going to take more than an expensive watch giveaway and absurdly hot models to get people to show up at the Spring into Summer fashion show at the Hotel Valley Ho.
That's why he's booked synchronized swimmers.
Oh, yes. Patti hired the University of Arizona synchronized swim team to perform a series of routines before, during and after the fashion show, which takes place on a Plexiglas runway atop the circular pool.
“Now that times are even more tough, you have to come up with even more creative ways to get your clients exposure and get people through the door,” said Patti, who attended the UofA.
He said he and the other coordinators, the hotel and the Ford/Robert Black modeling agency, at first considered cancelling this year's event because of the economy. But instead, they ramped-up their sponsorships and subsequently the show's glam factor.
With that, Mercedes-Benz USA will unveil for the first time in Arizona the new E Class Coupe courtesy of Schumacher European Ltd.
And they've decided to drape the scantily clad models in gobs of jewelry and watches from Isaac Jewelers, Carat Smart Diamonds and Maurice Lacroix Timepieces. (One guests will even win one of those Maurice Lacroix watches just before the show.)
Fleur't Boutique has made a name for itself in the Valley by staging a variety of runway shows that emphasize flesh over fashion, particularly at the past two Barrett-Jackson car auctions. The Gainey Village-based boutique promises to give the expected 800 to 1,000 guests new and exciting reasons to question just what is appropriate to wear outside of one's bedroom at this show, as well.
DJ Mr. P-Body will spin as guests enjoy a cocktail reception hosted by Findlandia vodka, Herradura tequila, Blue Moon beer and FIJI water. Then after the event, the party continues at the club Dirty Pretty.
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