Girls just wanna have fun — and shop.
That’s the message organizers are spreading about the 2024 Sip & Style Fashion Fundraiser scheduled for May 5 at the Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel.
Co-organizers — and best friends since the age of 3 — Jayna Varley-Ifft of Fox Chapel and Lauren Shepherd of Hampton have assembled a volunteer dream team to execute the fashion-filled fundraiser that benefits Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall.
Last year’s event drew hundreds of women from as far away as Murrysville, the South Hills, Sewickley and Leechburg for an afternoon of champagne sipping, shopping and a live fashion show featuring spring and summer looks from local vendors.
“Leave the kids at home. You deserve an afternoon with the girls, and we want to see everyone from everywhere come out,” Shepherd said.
Last year’s Sip & Style event raised $50,000 for Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall.
A $75 ticket includes a buffet lunch, complimentary glass of champagne and cash bar.
The fundraiser is open to those 18 and older.
Attendees will be able to shop in the ballroom at more than 15 pop-up boutiques.
The pop-up shop vendor list includes Mayabee Design & Photography, Magnolia on Main, Suma Wares & Wears, Dovecote, Nouveau Designer Consignment, Graze Craze Charcuterie, Groove On, Brooks Diamonds, Bits & Bows, Trendy, One Brilliant, Morrow & Dean, Carte Blanche, Gold Buyers of Pittsburgh, Whimsical Wardrobe Boutique and Cajoli Boutique.
“It’s important to support these small businesses and have a vibrant community because without them the community isn’t the same. So we’re bringing them out and letting people celebrate,” said Holly Natali, fashion show organizer, model and volunteer.
“All of our vendors were woman last year. To watch these women lift each other up is empowering,” Shepherd added.
Silent auction package items include a weekend getaway to The Grand Resort in Warren, Ohio, a high-value U.S. Open basket from Oakmont Country Club, a skincare line from Dr. Suzan Obagi’s new line, Veea Face, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Stacey Brooks Tavolario, owner of Brooks Diamonds of Downtown Pittsburgh, returns to the lineup.
“My children went to CDTCA, and I totally wanted to help support women-owned businesses. Mingling and meeting new woman is what it’s about. It’s a great afternoon event in a lovely and elegant setting. Everyone is happy and having a good time,” Tavolario said.
Groove On owner Nancy Delaney of Fox Chapel will bring clothes for customers to shop the racks, including Charlotte Brody, a New York-based brand featuring classic silhouettes with a twist. Women’s accessories and jewelry also will be available.
“Everyone is always excited into spring and summer, and it’s a fun day and inspires shoppers to find something from a nice mix of vendors,” she said.
Holly Natali models an outfit during last year’s Sip & Style Fashion Fundraiser to benefit Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy.
Last year’s event raised $50,000, and this year there is a waiting list for vendors.
Guests will receive swag bags filled with goodies from sponsors and vendors.
CDTCA is a nonprofit founded in 1925 serving an enrollment of more than 200 students in grades K-8.
The school is completely dependent on private philanthropy and tuition, as well as fundraisers, to operate.
Shepherd stressed the event rolls out the welcome mat to everyone.
“The goal is to make them feel welcome and have them bring a friend. This is your day,” she said.
“This isn’t an obligation, it’s a destination,” Shepherd said of the fundraiser. “It’s a destination because it’s where you want to be that day.”
Added Palmer: “The moms really pull it all together, and this is a chance to make a new friend — and the school’s mission is to be inclusive and place a value on community.”
To purchase tickets online, visit tinyurl.com/2utj2m5h.
Jayna Varley-Ifft and Lauren Shepherd return as co-organizers of the 2024 Sip & Style Fashion Fundraiser supporting Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall. They met April 14 at the Pittsburgh Field Club to prepare for the event, which draws shoppers from across the Pittsburgh region.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at [email protected]
