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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesGLITZ AND GLAMOR AT FRENCHMAN'S REEF

GLITZ AND GLAMOR AT FRENCHMAN'S REEF

The glitz and glamor of Paris came to St. Thomas Saturday night when Givenchy put on a fashion show and launched its latest male fragrance "Pi" at the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Resort.
The audience ‘oohed' and ‘aahed' as a host of statuesque models strutted down the catwalk, pausing every now and then to strike a pose. Later, guests milled about, munching on hors d'oeuvres and champagne as models dressed in astronaut suits handed out perfume samples.
Givenchy's latest female fragrance, "Organza," was also showcased throughout the evening.
But the purpose of Saturday night's gathering – which drew about 300 people including a surprise appearance by Sinbad – was twofold.
The cost of the $30 tickets and all proceeds from the silent auction were donated to four local nonprofit agencies tasked with fighting abuse in the community. Kidscope Inc., Victim Advocate Program, the Family Resource Center and the St. Thomas/St. John Humane Society, all benefitted from Saturday night's event.
Dellia Holodenschi, area manager for the Caribbean for Parfums Givenchy, estimated that the event raised over $2,000 for each nonprofit organization. She said this is the first time Givenchy has held such an event.
"When I was thinking about what I could do with " Pi," I said how can we do this when there are so many problems in the community," Holodenschi said, adding that the philosophy behind the new fragrance is all about men challenging the limits. "Every time I come home there is another headline about a cat burning on St. John or the rape of a young lady."
Holodenschi decided to use the perfume launch/fashion show not only as a way to introduce Givenchy to the public, but also as a way to boost the resources of nonprofit advocacy agencies, many of which are operating on a shoestring budget.
Michal Rhymer, executive director of the Family Resource Center, praised Holodenschi for creating an evening of fun and entertainment that will also serve a greater cause. Rhymer said Holodenschi initially approached her with the idea of a fundraiser in light of the recent rash of rapes and sexual assaults that have plagued the community.
"I hope we can have a repeat because it is such a good idea," Rhymer said.
During the program, Assistant Director of the U.S. Humane Society Dennis White played a short video that linked animal abuse to the crime and violence against humans. White stressed the need for agencies fighting all types of abuse and violence in the community to work together.
Victims Advocate Executive Director, Lynn Falkenthal, said badly needed funds were raised Saturday night.
"Dellia came to the agencies that help fight abuse in the community not only to launch the perfume but to support the agencies in the community," she said. "It's a wonderful way to bring people together and help support community agencies."

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