President of Caren West PR

STORY: Karon Warren
PHOTOS: Stephen Payne

CAUSE: Jeffrey Fashion Cares, which includes a reception, fashion show and live auction, raises funds for Atlanta AIDS Fund and Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta

For the last eight years, Grant Park resident Caren West has donated her time and creative talents to handle the public relations for Jeffrey Fashion Cares. “It’s near and dear to my heart,” she says. “I’ve never worked with a more devoted group of people who make it their number-one priority to raise money and awareness for great causes. Blood, sweat and tears. We do it every year because the money and awareness raised change and save lives.”

In 2018, Jeffrey Fashion Cares celebrated its 26th anniversary. Through the years, it has seen and experienced a lot. Here are some fun facts on the annual event.

Featured designers through the years:

Oscar de la Renta, Isaac Mizrahi, Jason Wu, Joseph Altuzzara and Jack McCollugh and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.

Most surprising moment in 26 years?

“In honor of the 20th anniversary, a huge flash mob broke out during the cocktail reception to surprise [founder] Jeffrey Kalinsky,” West says. “The mashup started with Madonna’s ‘Vogue,’ which was beyond appropriate. He was very surprised, and the guests loved it.”

Most hilarious moment thus far?

“I seem to get injured every year,” West says. “I had a fractured foot one year and decided to lose my cast and wear Gucci platforms instead. Not smart. Another year, I had to walk Jason Wu to his seat and had a giant knee brace hidden under my dress. Of course, there’s the time I forgot to put myself on the list and couldn’t get into one of the after parties. I could tell you more, but then I would have to kill you.”

For more information, including how to donate to Jeffrey Fashion Cares, visit jeffreyfashioncares.com/how-to-give.