A Night Out: Fashion Takes Flight Benefit for Luke’s Wings at L2

A stylishly attired sellout crowd gathered at the Georgetown nightspot L2 Wednesday night for the one-year anniversary of the charity Luke’s Wings, celebrated with the Fashion Takes Flight benefit show.

Luke’s Wings is dedicated to supporting servicemembers who have been wounded in battle. Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones at such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides them with the means to visit during the servicemember’s hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Wednesday night’s event featured the charity’s most recent benefactor, John, an Iraq combat veteran, whose family will arrive today.

See photos of the event below.

All photos by Chris Leaman

“Last night almost marked the one-year anniversary of our inaugural launch,” says cofounder Sarah Wingfield. “I was truly amazed to see just how far we’ve come in one short year. It was remarkable to have all of our friends and supporters come out for the Fashion Takes Flight show and a little extra special for me because Luke [for whom the charity was named] and John were in attendance. The show was a huge success, and Fletcher [Gill, cofounder of Wings] and I really owe a world of thanks to all of our volunteers who put so much time and effort into this great cause.”

Twenty-three models, military personnel, and celebrities such as Angie Goff of WUSA Channel 9; Kate Marie Grinold, current Miss DC; the CW’s Paul Wharton; and Katherine Kennedy, star of the upcoming reality show Blonde Charity Mafia, took to the runway wearing local designers such as Aidah Couture, Mi Chiamo Eka, Rochelle Behrens, Queen Bee Designs, LaceyK shoes, and ChrisKLA jewelry, plus spring favorites from stores such as Urban Chic and We One You Two.

The show highlighted many trends making waves in stores for spring: bright colors, statement jewels, and gladiator sandals, to name a few.

Standout looks included emcee Kate Michael’s stunning gold dress by Aidah Couture, a navy-and-white petal dress by Shoshanna from Urban Chic, a white suit by Rochelle Behrens worn by Katherine Kennedy, and several work-ready suits from the ready-to-wear menswear line Mi Chiamo Eka.

“I’m absolutely impressed with the success of the event and of our Luke’s Wings events and development teams,” says Gill. “Our two main goals for 2009 are to triple the number of airplane tickets for the families of wounded warriors—from 20 in 2008 to 60 in 2009—and to achieve an 80-percent pass-through ratio. Based on net income results from the Fashion Takes Flight fundraiser, we’re well on our way to achieving both key business objectives for 2009.”

To make a donation to Luke’s Wings charity, visit www.lukeswings.org.

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