Save the Rack to benefit Cancer Support Community

Posted: 5:27 pm, September 30, 2014 by Reporter Meagan Friberg

First annual fashion show event Save the Rack on October 10

Save the Rack, Ambiance, Paso Robles, SLO, Camilla Svensson Burns

Camilla Svensson Burns, visual designer and merchandiser at Ambiance, is organizing the 1st Annual Save the Rack Fashion Show, taking place on OCt. 10 and raising funds for The Cancer Support Community. Photo by Meagan Friberg.

Ambiance Clothing and The Cancer Support Community are teaming up to raise much-needed funds for cancer patients and their families with their 1st Annual Save the Rack Fashion Show on Friday, Oct. 10. Set to take place at the Ambiance location in downtown Paso Robles, the evening will feature a private gathering for VIP ticket-holders at 6 p.m. with the event opening up to general admission ticket-holders at 6:45 p.m.

“We are all about giving back,” said Camilla Svensson Burns, visual designer and merchandiser at Ambiance. “This is one way that we can give back, by supporting The Cancer Support Community. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer – it is important to help those who are dealing with a diagnosis and let them know that they are not alone.”

Community support

One of the ways the staff at both the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Ambiance stores, including owner Kannyn January, are helping is by putting together this fashion show, collecting raffle prizes, and securing donations from other businesses in the community. Currently on board with donations of time, merchandise or services are Lori Twisselman with Twist Salon; Whitney Burke with Paper Cake Events, Jennie Sturgeon with Trumpet Vine Catering; Nancy Beckett with Peachy Canyon Winery, and graphic designer Shannon Ling.

“I have been so encouraged by the community support in making our Save the Rack event a reality,” said Burns. “From Twist Salon providing hair and makeup design for our models to donations of merchandise from our suppliers and wine from Peachy Canyon – everything is being provided free of cost so that we can focus on the funds raised going directly to The Cancer Support Community.”

Light up the Night

Burns and Christie Kelly, executive director of The Cancer Support Community California Central Coast, became friends several years ago when Burns’ father-in-law was fighting cancer. Since then, Burns and her husband, Scott, have been strong supporters of CSCCCC. Scott is currently a board member and the couple helped to start Light Up the Night, an annual tree-lighting fundraising event in the downtown city park.

When Ambiance opened in Paso Robles last year, the staff was able to raise two-thirds of the cost of their tree in the park through raffle tickets sold at the store. This year, the fashion show is a new way of kicking off their fundraising efforts for the season.

“For those who have considered sponsoring a tree with Light Up the Night, it really is such a beautiful way to show support for The Cancer Support Community,” said Burns. “Save the Rack is a way to kick off fundraising efforts for Light Up the Night, sponsor our own tree for Ambiance, and hopefully raise additional funds as well.”

Fashion, fundraising, and education

Intent on keeping the fashion show small and intimate, Burns is utilizing the upstairs loft at Ambiance, calling it “the perfect location.” Local models will wear entire outfits – clothing, shoes, and accessories – from both the Paso Robles and SLO stores and guests will be given details about every piece the models are wearing. Programs will be available, enabling guests to write down items that they may want to purchase after the show or at a later date.

What’s more, Burns wants the show to be not only about fashion, but about education as well. Kelly will be sharing the importance of the Cancer Support Community, the programs offered, and the people helped. In addition, Dina with the InSitu Foundation (www.dogsdetectcancer.org) will talk to guests about her cancer service dogs and give a demonstration.

Admission to the Save the Rack Fashion Show

VIP tickets – $55 – only 40 VIP tickets will be sold; admission includes champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception and goodie bag surprises. VIP ticket-holders will be admitted at 6 p.m.
General admission – No cost; guest list is limited – must RSVP to ensure admission at 6:45 p.m.
All attendees are encouraged to purchase $10 raffle tickets for chances to win donated items such as wine, clothing, boots, accessories and more – proceeds will directly benefit CSCCCC

Purchase VIP tickets or RSVP for general admission to the Save the Rack Fashion Show in Paso Robles at: Ambiance, 1301 Park St., 296-3331 or the Cancer Support Community, 614 13th St., 238-4411. In SLO, stop by Ambiance at 737 Higuera St. or call 540-3380. For more information on Ambiance, visit ambianceslo.blogspot.com. For more information on The Cancer Support Community, visit www.twcccc.org.