The Country Friends Presents Art of Fashion
The Country Friends presents the 2023 Art of Fashion on September 14 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in partnership with South Coast Plaza. Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Max Mara, Michael Kors Collection, Moncler, Monique Lhuillier, and Saks Fifth Avenue are among the leading international luxury fashion brands showcased when models take to the runway.
Co-chairs are sisters Marina Tsvyk and Irina Shkov, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine with their families in 2001. Tsvyk ran a nonprofit organization in Sacramento, supporting immigrants and refugees through micro-enterprise business consulting services and loans. After moving to San Diego in 2009, she established herself as an accomplished real estate expert. She is the devoted mother to a 17-year-old son.
Shkov is a senior program director for a growing multinational logistics company, managing multiple enterprise-level software projects. She is also an accomplished tennis player, having played for Sacramento State’s NCAA Division 1 tennis team, and she now competes in San Diego tennis leagues and United States Tennis Association tournaments. She and her husband are the proud parents of Angelica and Leo.
The Art of Fashion is The Country Friends’ largest annual fundraiser, benefitting San Diego County charities with an emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and the disabled. The nonprofit also raises funds through its consignment shop in Rancho Santa Fe, and at a holiday tea and spring luncheon.
“Since it was founded in 1954, The Country Friends has donated nearly $15 million to those in need,” notes President Janean Stripe. “We are extremely proud to partner with South Coast Plaza for the 19th straight year on this annual celebration of fall, fashion, and philanthropy.” TCF’s Board of Directors selects charities each October after carefully reviewing funding requests.
The event begins with a Champagne reception sponsored by Linda Sansone & Associates featuring light bites from The French Gourmet and the popular photo lounge. The centerpiece of the event is a professionally produced runway show followed by a festive luncheon on The Inn’s Croquet Lawn. The Art of Fashion concludes with “Sip, Shop, and Support,” the chance to unwind while browsing boutiques.
“Couture” sponsors include Les and Deborah Cross, Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Warren Family Foundation, and Wells Fargo Bank. “Fashionista” sponsors are Dr. Melanie Palm, Art of Skin MD, Linda Block, Keilene Hayward, Teresa King, and Torrey Pines Bank.
Patrons are Alicia Armstrong, Andrea Naversen, Bgreen Branding, Elizabeth Valley, Headlines the Salon, Irina Fenison, Irina Shkov, Jeannie Ranglas, John and Marci Cavanaugh, Latitude 33 Aviation, Law Office of Michael P. McCarthy, Lezlie Reynales, Lynda Kerr, Marina Tsvyk, Marla Zanelli, Melinda Sarkis, Ory Tamsen, Performance K9 Training & Boarding, Sandy Nolan, Stephanie Wilbur, Suzanne Newman, Suzy Westphal, Tamara Lafarga-Joseph, US Specialty Labs LP, and Yvette Letourneau. Major Donors include Alaska Airlines, John Matty Co., Maggie and Gary Bobileff, The French Gourmet, and SKY Facial Plastic Surgery, Inc.
Ranch & Coast Magazine is the main media sponsor. Supporting media sponsors are Giving Back Magazine and Stroll Fairbanks Ranch Magazine.
www.thecountryfriends.org
