South Philly Review

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Gianna Foschini has dreams of one day owning her own public relations firm specializing in promoting and planning special events called Fosch PR. Planning has always been an interest of the Drexel University communications and public relations major.

“Ever since I started going out with friends to parties and events, I always wanted to be the host or party planner of my own events,” the resident of 17th and Ritner streets said. “Some of my friends say I am great at planning everyone to go out and get together, knowing the best spots to go and it always turns out be a great time.”

The college student could have chosen anything for her senior project, such as creating a magazine, newsletter or even a concert, so she combined that dream with her desire to raise money for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Philadelphia affiliate.

Accordingly, she came up with the idea to host a fashion show/luncheon incorporating local interest, as well as bring publicity to a cause very near and dear to her heart.

“I wanted to help people to donate and raise money for the cure [for breast cancer] in a fun and fashionable way,” she said of the project that has been in the works since January.

The event is 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Paradiso Restaurant, 1627 E. Passyunk Ave. For each $55 ticket, $20 will be donated to Susan G. Komen For the Cure Philadelphia.

Over the years, Foschini has lost four women, all of whom were extremely influential in her life, to the battle against breast cancer: Dr. Diane Barton, Rita Schina, Claire Larosa and Joyce Heyduk.

“All of these women were successful working women, who became a part of my life through my mom, Denise Pereau, and my dad, Gene Foschini,” she said adding that family and friends of the women will be attending the show.

Barton, who passed away in 2005 from ovarian cancer that spread through her body, was a friend of Pereau. Schina was her father’s best friend growing up while LaRosa married one of his friends. Heyduk was a mutual friend of both of her parents.

Wishing to avoid the typical route of raising cancer awareness by running a marathon or hosting a happy hour, Foschini was inspired by a life-long love of fashion as well as a trip to a runway show at New York’s Bryant Park. The local resident said she made the decision to keep her event local and ended up finding area businesses to gratefully donate their services and spaces to the event.

After discussing her concept with the Aci Nae Boutique owners, Janae Didonato and Monica Mullett, they became involved in Foschini’s quest to raise money for the cause by providing models with their newest collections for the runway.

“I always loved their clothing, and I’d heard about them doing other fashion shows,” Foschini said of the boutique at 1928 E. Passyunk Ave.

Novo Hair Salon, 1609 E. Passyunk Ave., signed on to do hair and makeup for the models and NDB Jewelry Designs will unveil a jewelry showcase featuring the custom, hand-made jewelry of South Jersey native and Art Institute of Philadelphia graduate Nichole Ballinghoff, who is a close friend of Foschini’s.

“She just started making jewelry and I thought this event would be a great way for her to gain exposure,” Foschini said.

Once Foschini gathered her contributors, she then spent time visiting venues in an attempt to find the perfect location for her vision. Eventually, she discovered Paradiso Restaurant.

“They were so happy to put my event on and provide a three-course luncheon,” she said.

So far 65 have committed to attending and she expects a total of 90 guests, she said.

“My goal was 100 and I am happy for the outcome so far,” she said. “I expect to raise about $1,800 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Philadelphia affiliate. I am honored to be the host for this event in helping raise money for such a great charity that gives inspiration to women all over the world.”