35th Annual PARCA Auxiliary Luncheon & Fashion Show Announced

35th Annual PARCA Auxiliary Luncheon & Fashion Show Announced

Celebrating milestones, memories, and making a difference at the Saint-Tropez themed: ‘Santé to 35 Years’

Burlingame, CA, March 19, 2024 – The PARCA Auxiliary, the fundraising arm of PARCA (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults), today announced it will host its 35th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show, PARCA St. Tropez: Santé to 35 Years. Taking place on Wednesday, May 15th, at a private Hillsborough residence, the event will raise funds for the Bay Area’s local developmentally disabled community.

This special 35th anniversary celebration will include a gourmet lunch by local chef, Charlie Parker Provisions, a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages with exclusive private experiences, and an elegantly curated fashion show presented by Burlingame’s own Sam Malouf Authentic Luxury—showcasing mens and womens ready-to-wear from the most coveted global designers.

All funds raised from the luncheon directly benefit PARCA’s client base with developmental needs, as well as their families and caregivers—offering a foundation to help build upon their individual hopes, dreams, and successes. Similar to past years, programming will include an exquisite live auction and a silent auction, as well as a captivating fashion show curated by Gloria Malouf, this year’s PARCA Auxiliary ‘Sustainer of the Year,’ and owner of San Malouf Authentic Luxury.

“This year’s event is incredibly special as we celebrate 35 years of supporting PARCA and our local community in need. It’s an honor to continue to carry out the mission and vision of our PARCA Auxiliary founders 35 years later. As the world, and our local community, navigate tough economic times, high inflation, and scaled down resources, the money we raise is more important than ever,” said Nidhi Dash, PARCA Auxiliary President. “We are grateful for the continued support from Gloria and Sam Malouf, of Sam Malouf Authentic Luxury in Burlingame, and for all of our sponsors and supporters who make a difference in the lives of so many developmentally disabled children and adults locally in our community.”

Each annual event exudes a unique look and feel, and this year attendees will feel like they have been transported to the sun-kissed beaches of the St. Tropez coastal haven and the promise it holds. The event design will capture the golden coastlines of Saint-Tropez—the pearl of the Côte d’Azur in the South of France. In honor of the PARCA Auxiliary’s storied journey to this point, this year’s luncheon represents setting sail and embarking on another 35 years—and beyond—with the PARCA community and its loyal supporters. The celebration will evoke basking by the sea at one of Saint-Tropez’s famous beach clubs, where joy and freedom of expression thrive. Celebrating the spirit of individuality, there is something for everyone in Saint-Tropez, and there will be something for everyone attending this year’s special event.

To celebrate this special milestone year, the event will also honor the original founders of PARCA Auxiliary who started this iconic luncheon tradition 35 years ago, and built the foundation for the organization it has become. The Auxiliary was officially founded in 1988 to provide financial support for PARCA through its annual fundraising event. The first event raised $25,000, and evolved into the annual luncheon and fashion show that the Auxiliary is known for today. Currently, the PARCA Auxiliary consists of 57 active members, more than 300 sustainers, and 14 founding members.

The PARCA Auxiliary Luncheon sells out every year, and is expected to do so in record time for this special anniversary year. For those interested in joining us on Wednesday, May 15th, please contact parcapublicity@gmail.com.

Event Chairs: Natalie Kao, Julie Kavanagh & Karen Simon

Auction: Sarah Jacobsohn, Merrin Thompson & Mahsa Afsharpour (Emeritus/Advisor)

Business Operations: Jessica Kane & Gloria Singh

Corporate Development: Lissa Seem, Brittany Burns (Emeritus/Advisor) & Lauren Wallins (Emeritus/Advisor)

Decor, Catering & Rentals: Jenn Gilson, Ana Grasberger, Jen Kelly & Joanne Lue

Fashion Show: Carolyn Shmunis & Sarah Somberg

Guest Services: Audrey Fetch & Caitlin Wilson

Individual Donor: Rachel Zubaty

Invitation & Programs: Mirra Desuasido & Vanessa Yang

Publicity: Daniella Vallurupalli & Sophia Waldman

Treasurer: Serena Fong & Irene Kuei

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THE AUXILIARY: The PARCA Auxiliary, officially founded in 1988, invites the community to raise awareness and support for the nonprofit PARCA Organization (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults). The PARCA Organization offers programs and services that benefit developmentally disabled individuals and their families in the Bay Area and is doing incredible, life-changing work daily. This event enables the PARCA Organization to provide much needed programs and services to adults and children with developmental disabilities and to their families in the Bay Area. To date, the PARCA Auxiliary is proud to have raised over $5 Million for PARCA, with the majority funds raised coming directly from the annual Luncheon and Fashion Show held each Spring. All of the proceeds from the event go directly towards PARCA Organization. In addition to providing philanthropic financial support for PARCA, the members of the PARCA Auxiliary are committed to personally enriching the lives of the PARCA participants through individual connections and direct touch points.

For sneak peeks, see @parcaauxiliary on Instagram #PARCASTTROPEZ

CONTACTS:

Publicity: Daniella Vallurupalli & Sophia Waldman at parcapublicity@gmail.com

General: parca@parcaauxiliary.org

For more information on PARCA organization, please visit https://parca.org