March 16, 2016

Milestone 20th Celebration of the Fresh Start Fashion Gala Raises More than $1.5 Million

Top: Kim and Chris McWaters; Melinda and Earl Petznick Jr., and Joelle Hadley and Ken Alexander. Bottom: Jim Risoleo, Nancy Hanley, Pam Risoleo, Earl and Pat Petznick, and Ina and Murray Manaster

The March 12 affair to support Fresh Start Women’s Foundation drew more than 730 guests to The Phoenician. The milestone 20^th Celebration of the Fresh Start Fashion Gala yielded more than $1.5 million, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s life-changing programs and services for women.

The theme of the celebration was “where the past meets the future.” The occasion, chaired by Pamela Overton Risoleo and her husband, Jim Risoleo, brought that theme to life through every detail, including Overton as co-chair. She co-chaired the very first Fresh Start Fashion Gala with Pat Petznick, who co-founded Fresh Start Women’s Foundation with her sister, Beverly Stewart.

Ina and Murray Manaster served as the evening’s honorary chairs, and the Founders’ Award was presented to ardent community volunteer and supporter Nancy Hanley, recognized for her commitment to the empowerment of women.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception showcasing a 20-year retrospective of Fresh Start Gala fashions from designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren.

Dinner was a traditional menu with a current twist: With the exception of dessert, every item served was gluten-free. Following dinner, Tessa Mansour, Hanley’s granddaughter, a classically trained vocalist, performed “Because You Loved Me” in a moving tribute to her grandmother.

The entertainment also followed the past/present theme as The Hamptons played dance music from throughout the past 20 years.

White House Design Studio created the stunning silver and white decor for The Phoenician ballroom.

HAUTE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY