That’s what Shuzz’s all about

There is an American proverb that says “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes,” but what if the person doesn’t have any shoes? That thought kept running through my head as I attended the 2016 VI Annual SHUZZ | ART | FASHION Show held at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

Can you even imagine not having a single pair of shoes, let alone walking a mile without them?

Shuzz is “a non-profit organization that functions on volunteers, existing to provide new shoes to children in poverty-stricken areas around the world.” The event I was attending was of their biggest fundraisers with “100 percent of all ticket sales were given directly to relief efforts to donate shoes to children in impoverished communities.”

Fashion for a cause is one of my favorite things so I was excited to see what surprises the night would bring.

On a gorgeous evening, outside of the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, with the sun setting behind, you stepped inside a large white tent for the VIP reception and cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres.

The lite bites were quite tasty and presented with the most fashionable accessory, a smile.

Auction items lined the entire tent and the pens were flying!

There were items for the boys….

And the girls….

There was also a very impressive raffle station for you to purchase a ticket to try your luck.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time, shopping, sipping and snapping selfies with the eye candy. All the costumed characters were provided by entertainers from Celebrity Cruise on-board show “Indulgence”

Mingling with the guests I could feel how excited everyone was to be supporting the cause while staying fashionably fabulous themselves.

I was fortunate to have a chance to speak with one of the events sponsors, Gabriel Rodriquez from Celebrity Cruises , who told me that for the past 3 years they have been proud to help the amazing ladies from the Shuzz Foundation to continue to assist people in the community and beyond. When I asked why he liked the Shuzz Art Fashion show he simply replied “This event mirrors the motto of Celebrity Cruises “Modern Luxury Lives Here.” He has a good point.

After a lively hour at the pre-party I was ready for the main event. This time we were escorted across to the hotel where a step and repeat lined one side of the white carpet walk way while more Carnival Cruise performers posed on the other.

@lisapirro315

Once inside the hotel itself it was awesome to see how the spacious Pavilion venue was transformed into the largest runway I have seen here in South Florida.

And of course more high end Celebrity Cruises fashion models provided plenty of selfie photo opportunities.

Finding your seat in the massive space impressively was the easiest I’ve ever experienced. Just look for the volunteers with the signs! VIP seats featured a special swag bag with a side of bubbly.

Before the main event, the pre-show consisted of a live auction where all kinds of high end items were sold to the highest bidders. Hands down, the cutest item has to go to the puppy they brought to the stage from the Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton. Now that is one heck of a parting gift! It should also be noted that the most impressive gesture was when a very generous individual donated $10,000.00 cash.

Soon the lights dimmed and a dance was performed by Dance Now! Miami.

Then it was time for Neiman Marcus to present the Veronica Beard 2016 Spring Collection.

photo credit Boca Creative

photo credit Boca Creative

photo credit Boca Creative

After watching a parade of beautiful women, what better way to top off the night than with a VIP champagne and dessert after party! Why do macaroons have to taste so good!

Followed by a super stuffed swag bag full of other types of goodies to delight you.

Of course the sweetest gift of all is what Shuzz does. “We distribute thousands of shoes free of charge to children – regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria – who are in need of a very basic tool to prevent them from risk. Their needs are simple: a pair of shoes that fit properly. This helps protect from injury and prevent disease, enhancing safety when playing, doing chores and going to school.”

Imagine having no shoes.

We stand on our feet all day long. We walk on all kinds of surfaces. Some safe, many not so much. Shoes protect us from stepping on sharp objects, burning our soles on hot surfaces, and getting dirty from stepping on poo. Essentially, shoes are our barrier from the worlds questionable surfaces.

If you really think about it, this makes them the most important piece of clothing one can have. They are not just something to complete your outfit, they are something to protect someone’s journey in life.

How fashionable would it be for you to be to be able to provide a pair of shoes to those who don’t have any. Become a #SoleGiver

That’s what Shuzz‘s all about.