Sole Sisters unite again

Written by Kristan Zimmer
Saturday, 07 November 2009 10:02

Members of the United Sole Sisters, the women’s initiative of the Greenwich United Way, convened Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Stanwich Club for a cocktail party and exclusive fashion show by international designer Zahra Saeed. The evening officially launched the Sole Sisters sixth season of educating members about community needs and raising money to support them. This year’s Sole Sisters co-chairwomen are Allison Wolowitz, who also provided the commentary for the fashion show, and Susan Wohlforth.

Guests viewed some of Ms. Saeed’s 2009 creations, which the Pakistani-born designer recently showed during London, England, and Paris, France, fashion weeks. Her boutique, located at 271 Greenwich Ave., opened in early October, and has been well-received by local shoppers. Ms. Saeed, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Giovanna and Brian Miller were the evening’s sponsors.

United Way President, Stuart Adelberg, announced to the crowd of almost 100 Sole Sisters and “Sole Mates” that the group will donate proceeds from this year’s activities to a newly-created Critical Response Fund.

“This fund will be used to address local needs that have been created or exacerbated by the economic crisis,” Mr. Adelberg said. “Nationally, charitable giving to human services is down 18%, and when coupled with dwindling endowments, fundraising challenges and government cutbacks, the United Way is concerned about our community’s ability to meet growing needs and continue to provide essential services.”

In the coming months, the United Sole Sisters will visit local agencies and hearing presentations about unmet needs. Then, they will focus their attention on raising the money to support them, culminating in the spring with the group’s luncheon and fashion accessories boutique to be held at the Greenwich Country Club on April 22, 2010.

Giovanna Miller is chairwoman of that event.