PARCA Auxiliary Celebrates its 36th Annual Auxiliary Luncheon & Fashion Show
An Afternoon of Glamour: Celebrating in Style with a Pink Palace Affair Inspired by the Iconic Beverly Hills Hotel
Hillsborough, CA, May 14, 2025 – The PARCA Auxiliary, the fundraising arm of PARCA (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults), yesterday hosted its 36th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show, PARCA Pink Palace Held at a private Hillsborough, CA, residence, the event raised funds for the Bay Area’s local developmentally disabled community.
The highlight of the event was its exclusive fashion show, showcasing a handpicked collection of ready-to-wear menswear and womenswear from some of the world’s most sought-after designers. Local fashion icons Sam and Gloria Malouf of SAM MALOUF Authentic Luxury presented stunning pieces from renowned brands such as Chloé, Brunello Cucinelli, Khaite, Dries Van Noten, Isaia, and more, captivating the audience with global fashion at its finest. Gloria Malouf, who was also PARCA’s Sustainer of the Year in 2024, said it best, “ For over 30 years, we’ve had the incredible privilege of uniting fashion and philanthropy to our community—an endeavor that remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of our careers. Each year, the torch is passed to a new group of remarkably talented auxiliary members who lead with passion, inspire others, and raise vital funds and awareness for a cause that’s deeply meaningful to us all. We are immensely proud to be part of this vibrant community and organization, and to help elevate fashion to new heights year after year.”
This year’s event transformed a private residence into a vibrant tribute to the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, where old Hollywood glamour met laid-back L.A. luxury, and captured the spirit of sun-soaked afternoons, palm-lined avenues, and the timeless charm of Los Angeles. 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. With 330 guests and loyal supporters in attendance, highlights from the day included hearing from PARCA Client guest speaker, Nick Rich, a standing ovation for PARCA’s Director of Family Services, Sue Digre, a gourmet lunch by Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, and a thrilling live auction, raffle, and fund-a-need call for support.
“Championing the enduring legacy of our PARCA Auxiliary founders at our 36th annual luncheon is an extraordinary privilege. This year’s ‘PARCA Pink Palace’ was more than a stunning event; it was a powerful declaration of our unwavering commitment as we launch into a new era of support for the PARCA community, hand-in-hand with our incredible allies,” declared Tess Salter, PARCA Auxiliary President. “In a world where so many are facing economic headwinds and diminished resources, the generosity ignited here today doesn’t just make a difference—it changes lives. Your dedication fuels our mission, directly empowering countless children, adults, and families with developmental disabilities right here in our backyard to reach for their dreams.”
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 60 active members, more than 300 sustainers, and 14 founding members. To date, the PARCA Auxiliary is proud to have raised over $6 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 these events go directly towards the PARCA Organization.
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President: Tess Salter
Event Chairs: Emma Elfving, Iris Lee & Carolyn Shmunis
Auction: Tiffany Lui, Danielle Thompson & Vanessa Yang
Business Operations: Jess Kane, Amy Meiners & Rachel Zubaty
Corporate Development: Sarah Jacobsohn & Merrin Thompson
Decor, Catering & Rentals: Michelle Leao-Dean, Raeanna Reudy, Amanda Schneider, Emma Skelton
Fashion Show: Mirra Desuasido & Sophia Waldman
Guest Services: Nadia Baroni & Ting Yang
Individual Donor: Alice Chen & Kathryn Collins
Invitation & Programs: Nisha Ahluwalia, Sneha Avargerimath & Caroline Zinchik
Publicity: Jenn Gilson & Jen Kelly
Treasurer: Serena Conti & Irene Kuei
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THE AUXILIARY: Founded in 1988, the PARCA Auxiliary invites the community to support PARCA (Partners and Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults), a nonprofit organization providing vital programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the Bay Area. This annual Luncheon and Fashion Show enables PARCA to offer these life-changing programs. To date, the Auxiliary has raised over $5.5 million for PARCA, with most of the funds coming from this event. All proceeds directly support PARCA. Beyond financial support, Auxiliary members are committed to personally enriching the lives of PARCA participants through individual connections and direct engagement.
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EVENT DETAIL:
WHAT: PARCA Pink Palace – The 36th Annual PARCA Auxiliary Fundraising Luncheon & Fashion Show
WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
WHERE: A Private Estate in Hillsborough, CA
MORE INFO: http://parcaauxiliary.org
For event coverage, see @parcaauxiliary on Instagram.
CONTACTS:
Publicity: Jen Kelly & Jenn Gilson at parcapublicity@gmail.com
General: parca@parcaauxiliary.org
For more information on PARCA organization, please visit https://parca.org
- Name: PARCA Auxiliary
- Email: parcapublicity@gmail.com
Website URL: https://parcaauxiliary.org/
