In the wake of the recent Bastrop County wildfires, Austin has been quick to join and provide donations for those in need, proving that strength not only comes in numbers, but in an unhesitant will to support its grief-stricken members.

Nestled in the front corner of the famed W Hotel entranceway lays the Living Room where Connie Bakonyi, Executive Director of the Austin Fashion Association (AFA), put together a fundraiser in less than thirty hours benefiting the Red Cross of Central Texas.

Bakonyi realized that the centralized hotel would be a prime location for the event, and held the event on Thursday evening for Fashion’s Night Out (FNO), festivities geared towards shoppers and visitors. FNO is practiced globally, giving retailers, boutiques, and salons a chance to showcase their merchandise, and increase cliental.

Flyers advertising the fundraiser were given to participating locations, in hopes of gaining the support of eager consumers; and as an incentive to donate, local business owners provided gifts for a raffle.

Some of the prizes included a beauty package [Mirror Mirror Salon], clothing [Edge Boutique, Q Custom Clothier and Revelry Dresses], accessories [Shimmer & Bliss and Tikkr], and gift certificates [Langford Market and Tracy Tenpenny Design]. The W hotel also extended their contribution by donating a free one- night stay, and $2.00 from every purchase of a drink they appropriately named “Texas Strong”.

“I’m so proud of the people that stepped in without being asked,” said Bakonyi. “They were willing to give at the drop of a hat.”

“This industry is so giving”, the philanthropist continued to note. However, many who work in the local fashion forefront remain self-employed and as a result “are living to make ends meet.”

It was this observation that prompted Bakonyi to create AFA in the first place, in realizing a lack of insurance and resources within the creative community. Thus, the organization works to assist models, photographers, designers, and the like with the support and exposure needed towards more opportunity for a substantial income.

A regular on the city’s social scene, Bakonyi relied on the support of close friends, costume designer and stylist Midi Soliz, and co-founder of the fast approaching Austin Grand Prix, Kerri Olsen among others to help with the impromptu fundraiser.

In an effort to help with Wildfire relief herself, Olsen held a canned food donation on Sunday afternoon at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant. The drive also served as a watch party for the Italian Grand Prix, and gave attendees a glimpse of what is said to bring the Austin economy an estimated $300 million dollars in revenue.

That same day, the Austin Fashion Award winners for best salon, Bella Salon, hosted a CUT-A-THON offering their shampoo, cut, and styling services in return for donations benefiting the victims.

Determined to help, the community as a whole has relied on Facebook to create awareness and bring speedy assistance; proving that in times of need, unity and a giving heart will always be in fashion.

To find out more about how you can help the wildfire victims, please “like” these Facebook pages:
Central Texas Wildfire Recovery
Distribution Center for Victims of Bastrop County Fires
A Taste for Something Good