On Nov. 19, Live Out Loud presented it's eighth annual fashion gala benefit in front of a SRO crowd in the ballroom of The Palmer House Hilton.
The eventwhich shines a spotlight on suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and emotional supportfeatured an all-star cast of designers including Anjara Misra, Mario Humberto, Garrida Pugo and Jorge Diaz, Abraham Garcia Designs, Shear Gold Fashions, Sharisa Couture Designs, Jackson and Skylar, and Prana Maker, as well as dance and live musical performances.
Love Out Loud Charity is a Chicago-based nonprofit founded in 2010 that seeks to raise awareness about suicide as well as aid in the public's education regarding prevention. The organization's mission, as stated in a press release, "is to save lives through awareness and education."
This year's event was aimed at raising funds for the 2018 Core Character Development Campaign, which aims to initiate workshops and programs on suicide prevention, awareness and anti-bullying in schools nationally.
Founder Sherrie Gearheart opened the festivities with an introduction on the work that Live Out Loud has done since its inception. After designer Wafaa Lahlah was named International Designer of the Year, the audience was treated to a fashion show thath not only displayed the clothing but featured models of a wide range of body types and ages.