Art Gowns and Chicklets pooled their talents for a fundraiser, and show of support for all victims of rape, sexual abuse and crimes of violence.
Headlining the evening at Toronto’s Uptown nightclub, Coopa Cabana, was internationally renown Torch Singer, Rene Rosso.
In a stunning Art Gown designed by Couturier Chicklet, Milly, Ms. Rosso opened with her rendition of Etta James’ “At Last”.
The Chicklet of Ceremonies, Pearl, introduced the entertainers, and speakers.
Key speaker, Georgiann, gave a mind blowing talk. It was filled with statistics and real life accounts. One statistic from RAINN says, “Every 92 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted; and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.”
Marina Kanavaki and Chicklet Poppy performed a Ballet Nouveau, to the happy ending of La Fille mal gardée. It is a tale of a girl who is being forced to marry someone she does not love. In the end she weds her love.
Rebecca Budd, Creative Director, worked closely with Marina and Poppy to choreograph this classic ballet fused with modern jazz movements.
Prominent philanthropists, Sophia, Queen of the Coop, and
Queen Isabella were noted luminaries in the audience.
La Esencia de Titania literally flew in with her Fairy Apprentice, Daisy.
Daisy and Titania had been enjoying the flowers, poetry & Friendly Fairy Tales in Brenda’s garden when Brenda told them about the fundraiser.
In closing the event, Chicklet Diana joined Ms. Rosso in a duet.
They chose “The Very Thought of You”. It’s their way of saying to all victims that they are loved.
All performers, speakers and behind the sceners donated their time and talents for the evening’s endeavours.
Rene Rosso character © Resa McConaghy (w/Holly Rene Hunter) 2019
Chicklets © Georgiann Carlson
The Art Gowns are very glamorous. The Chicklets are cute as buttons. However, there is nothing cute or glamorous about sexual abuse, rape and other crimes of violence. There are many ways to help. Find out how by:
CLICKING ON THE LOGOS BELOW TO VISIT SUPPORT AND HOTLINE SITES
RAINN is the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization
Mariska Hargitay, Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims’ Unit, started JOYFUL HEART, in response to the thousands of letters & emails from survivors disclosing their stories of abuse.
CHATELAINE , a Canadian Magazine has a page listing Canadian Help Sites
Georgiann Carlson – Rethinking Life
Marina Kanavaki – Art Towards a Happy Day
Brenda Davis Harsham – Friendly Fairy Tales
If you have a Support Organization in your country, leave the link in a comment. I will add it to the list.
Art Gowns 
Ahhhh. This is along sigh for the beauty of your gowns and the worthiness of your cause. BTW, I have always adored Billie Holiday of The Very Thought of You. x
Yay, Shey! Glad you got to see this.
It was a hard, yet satisfying post to do. I had to turn away for a day, but I’m back! xx
Resa, I’m so happy to leave a comment. I wasn’t able to before. Even logging in, I couldn’t. I love the gowns, the story, and the songs! All the old songs are so romantic. Have a wonder-filled week. 📚Christine
Thank you, Christine! Your comment is just lovely, and I am very glad you got to comment!
You have a fab week, too!
What a delightful post for a particularly sad and not glamorous, as you put it, issue of sexual abuse. Human trafficking is a real issue as well. I just adore your drawings and gowns. Nice musical choices, and a really fun writeup.
Yay! It means a lot that you like this post. I didn’t want to make it so horrible that people didn’t want to read, or know anything. Yet, I didn’t want to undercut the issue. I felt more confident after I went to the Joyful Heart site, and saw that they were having a Gala Fundraiser.
Yes, Human trafficking is a very sick reality. What’s wrong with some people? I am very fortunate to be living the life I’m living!
I believe a lot of us can feel fortunate to be able to to live the lives we live.
Agree!
Really enjoyed you drawings, Resa, and the gowns as well. Your work is exquisite, and brava on the cause. Wonderful to hear Etta James sing her classic, too.
Thank you, Jet! I had to step back a bit after I posted this. It was an emotional posting.
Yes… my sketching is getting better the more I do it. Drawing to music has really helped me loosen up. Love that Etta James song!
Beyond fabulous. I just love the way you put everything together. Your gowns and drawings are amazing and the issue is of the utmost importance. Holly chose songs that I absolutely love and you are incredible. Thank you so much for making me a part of this wonderful event. I’m so very grateful. Thank you agin. ❤ ❤ ❤
You’re welcome, Gi, and I thank you, too! You did a really fab job drawing gowns on the Chicklets.
I still cant get over the dance number costume on Poppy. I may never get over it. Feel free to comment on any comments. I saw some about the Chicklets. They are quite popular. ❤ ❤ ❤
Horrific statistics but bravo to everyone involved and to your lovely gowns. 🙂 Love from the two of us.
janet
Janet!
Yes, the stats are sickening. Will things ever change?
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Resa, this is so beautiful, you’ve done such a fabulous job with this, I’m just blown away. The art, the gowns, the music, and for such a worthy cause!
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this.
Rene Rosso (aka Holly)
Ah… Ms. Rosso, it was very elegant of you to headline the show. You were a smash hit!
I’m so happy you’re here, and I can’t thank you enough. It’s a tough cause, and after I posted, I needed to chill a bit. Well, I’m back.
I see the next Art Gown ….Tango…Torch…. I won’t start poking around for fabrics until next month. However, it’s always smart to have my direction, as one never knows what one is going to bump into. xoxoxoxoxoxo
A great post Resa , so much fun for such a good cause. xoxoxo xoxoxo
Yes, it was fun! When I went to the Joyful Heart site, I saw they are having a Gala Fundraiser, as well. It reinforced what I was doing. So glad you’re here! xoxo
That’s super! I will be watching for that. I’m glad you’re hear, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🥰
Reblogged this on House of Heart and commented:
Resa, such beautiful artwork, gowns, music, and for such a worthy cause.
Brava!
Thank you, Holly! xoxo
Xoxo
Resa, your drawings, and your gowns are so great. Using fashion for a great cause is even better.
Thank you, Valentina! The Art Gowns are not just beautiful, they want to help!
Now that is quite the cast …. and I’m fortunate to know three of them and the lead designer.
A great cast, for sure!
It was a fab event. ⚡️💫
The ladies and lovely gowns are a divine combination!
Agree! A lot of fun in the making of this post. So glad you got to see it!
Beautiful gowns and a lovely idea.
Thank you, Roberta!
The art gowns are amazing, music, and such a worthy cause. The the statistics is horrific & sad.
It’s sad & crazy, Charlie. The Art Gowns need some purpose.
So, let them at it all!
😀
And the purpose and course are used greatly and to help heal.
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Resa – thank you for the invitation to participate in this important fundraiser gala. And to my sister chicklets – you are amazing. I look forward to our ongoing dialogue. With every act of kindness, and by working together, we make a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Chirp. The chicklets are always ready to help stop violence against everyone. Thank you for your kindness. I agree with Margaret Mead. Absolutely.
The Art Gowns love the Chicklets, and know something just got done, together.
Yay! Let’s go!
Onwards!
Love this comment, Rebecca. I think you are right. I think Margaret was onto something. Thank you for that quote!
There will be more projects.
Amazing effort for such a worthy cause..
Respect to all of you ❤️
Thank you so very much, Francina! Respect means a lot! ❤
This is fabulous, stunning, and wonderful, Resa. Big hugs for your effort to bring attention to a horrible sickness that permeates every level of society. You’ve accomplished your goal with your lovely stars, art, music, and gowns in a kind and thoughtful way.
Yay! That is exactly what I was looking to do. It’s wonderful that I wasn’t alone, and so many blog pals helped out. In spite of the horrible subject matter, we managed a bit of fun. Hard to believe this happens in our enlightened age, yet, someone pointed out that human trafficking is a big problem. Will man’s inhumanity to man ever end?
You do bring awareness in a gentle and graceful way and the message is well received. We must try to stop this inhumanity, we must do it together.
I agree 100%! x
😊✨
Resa, your creativity is amazing and your huge heart. Bravo..Xx
Thank you, Jane!!!
Resa, your gowns are gorgeous as ever. I love the drawings. And the songs sung at your event. Most of all your support for the cause of victims of sexual abuse and violence shows your love and compassion. ❤
Ohh, thank you so much! In some ways it was a difficult post to do. I mean, why do people rape and sexually abuse. Have we not learned better?
It appears not. Even priests do it! ❤
A worthy cause
Thank you! ❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o
A beautiful post, surrounded by excellent collaborators, for a worthy cause … it is incredible that in the 21st century we have to continue in this fight, making visible a problem that nobody wants to see.
Congratulations, well done Resa!!
Thank you dear Belén!
I love the way you say…making visible a problem nobody wants to see.
That is very true. Those of us who are not victims, are the ones who can help the most.
I think we should not be allowed to be blind. That is like helping the perpetrators. Victims, even those recovered and strong need help to expose this horrible reality.
I know… 21st century! It’s crazy! We also have pirates and sex slaves and human traffickers.
Love to you!!!
I think we should be united to advance, when all women come together and make their voices heard (March 8), the world stops and those who manage our lives are terrified … but it’s so hard to keep us together.
Love to you too!!!
We must keep trying!!!! xoxoxoxo
Dear Couturier Chicklet, it was an honor participating in this wonderful fundraising Gala for such a noble cause. Your creativity is limitless and I love ALL your drawings so much, not to mention the Art Gowns! What a shinning example you are, my beautiful friend! Love to you and all sister Chicklets! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo 🐥xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Reblogged this on Marina Kanavaki and commented:
Art Gowns and Chicklets Gala Fundraiser…
Thank you, Marina!!! ❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o❦x❦o
xooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxoxox
These are wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. And always lovely to hear Billie.
…. And thank you to you, Alex! Billie is a gem, as are many of the pop culture icons we enjoy. Heading over t your blog! 😀
Wonderful Resa! I always again fall in love with your drawings, the results and the chicklets 😉 too. Michael
Thank you Michael! It was a bit of a trying post, but I believe I found a way to use the Art Gowns and the Chicklets to make it work. I’m especially happy you got to see this post. 😀
Its wonderful Resa! Thank you for the try. Hope there will be a sequel. Best wishes, Michael😀
I’m working on some ideas with other bloggers. 😀
Great!😀 I hope in future there will be a way re-open my blog too. The damn data security an too poor lawyers actually prevent.
Just wonderfully entertaining, and for a good cause. ❤
Thank you! The Art Gowns and I are doing our best! ❤
Fantastic post, Resa! I love the drawings and the music and bravo for the fundraiser!
Thanks Clare! It was an interesting post to work on. The best was all the blog pals who pitched in! ❦
❤
Beautiful gowns, drawings and music, Resa. A sad cause though. I often read the local news from where my daughter lives, and it is terrifying. Situation here in Ireland is not much better lately.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you, Inese.
Yes, it is sad. However, it’s good to keep things from being swept under the carpet. We can’t deal with things we can’t see.
It’s so senseless.
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Enough sweeping under the carpet 😦 Something has to be done. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It starts with parents raising their children, especially the sons. xxxxxxxxxxxx
Exactly! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Using your talent and humour for a good cause, well done Resa!
Thank you! It felt right to do this post!
Again beautiful! Also fantastic collaboration!
I love collaborating!
Thank you, Naom Yb’!
Great job on the fundraiser, the gala and the art! Happy to be part of it.
Thank you for being here, Brenda! Don’t work too, hard!!!!!!
I’ll try to still stop by. 🙂
🙂 I wish I could draw like you:)
Oh, thank you!
You’re welcome:)
I love this post. What originality. Congrats!
Yay! The Art Gowns must be more than beautiful. They must do some good!
I just saw a movie about this very subject – sex trafficking and abductions. HORROR ….!!!!
It seems archaic to have this in these times. I could go on but your blog doesn’t need my rant.
Gorgeous gowns and a most worthy cause. Bless you …!!!
Isadora 😎
Thank you, Isadora. It is crazy & archaic that slavery and sex trafficking are with us.
We can’t sweep this away! Pirates; there’s modern day Pirates. Have we come so far that we are going backwards?
I always thought the Art Gowns would just be pretty. Now, I want them to be useful, as well.
xx
👍🏻 it’s a topic that one can speak about for hours. Yes, it’s archaic. Just hearing on the news some of the things that happen to women is disgusting. It churnes my stomach. I’m pleased you decide to make the gowns a part of this cause. You are an angel to those who are suffering.
Have a blessed week … Isadora 😎
You have a fab week too, lovely lady! ❤ 😀
Oh my goodness, wow, they’re amazing!! And such a worth cause 💕
Thank you. I plan on doing more of these type posts in the future!
Fantastic! I’ll keep an eye out for more posts