Last year, Lynn was invited to the Art & Soul event, benefitting Dress For Success but this year, she was on vacation with her family and could not attend. That’s where I stepped in and had the privilege to attend this year’s Dress for Success Annual Fundraiser at the Liberty House Restaurant! This year, they honored three amazing women who have changed thousands of lives. Suits for Success Inc., the Home Dress for Success Hudson County; Lillian Hernandez, Francine LeFrak for Same Sky; and Angela V. Mcknight of AngelaCARES, Inc.

Dress for Success’s mission is “to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

AngelaCARES,Inc’s mission is ” to strengthen communities by enhancing the quality of life through empowering our seniors, their caregivers, and the youth.”

Same Sky’s mission “empowers women by providing training and employment opportunities. We help women rebuild their lives, reconnect to their creativity, build skills through artistry, and restore confidence. We help to open doors that seem closed. There is need for employment in developing countries, but there is also a serious need right here in our own backyard. ”

I have to say when I arrived, I was a bit nervous. Everyone looked fabulous and it was a bit intimating, but when I finally met Joy Devlin (Chair of the advisory board), all of that went away. She made me feel welcomed and guided me throughout the event. She kept calling me CHICPEAJC, but I told her I was just the intern and she said “You are still important!” I thought that was really sweet.

The atmosphere was set with live Jazz music from the band The Keith Jordan Trio, with champagne and hors d’oeuvres being passed around the beautifully styled hall. Of course I tried to get my hands on as many appetizers as possible, which were all so delicious, haha!

They were selling jewelry from Same Sky and even had a silent auction piece that was made specifically for this event. The jewelry and the auction piece were all beautifully hand-crafted from the hands of women. I had to hold back from trying to buy everything because I truly believe we should all wear jewelry hand-crafted with love and good intentions.

There were many highly regarded faces that attended this event: Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight (also creator of AngelaCARES, Inc.), Council President Rolando Lavarro, and our very own Mayor Steven Fulop!

It was such a beautiful event to see three powerful women being honored who are working to make our world a better place. It definitely made me want to make a difference in my own little world.

If you’d like to Donate to Dress for Success, check out their website at hudsoncounty.dressforsuccess.org! Help them get clothing for the women of our county to look and feel their best at interviews that can possibly change their lives for the better.

I want to thank Lynn, Joy, and all of the empowering women and men at the event who are making a difference for this city!

Check out more photos from the event below.