CFF Poker Tournament Raises $82K; Stop Staring! Designer Wins Top Prize
The California Fashion Foundation raised $82,000 for scholarship programs and charitable organizations at its second annual “Hold Em” Poker Tournament.
The event was held Jan. 26 at the 11th-floor penthouse of the Cooper Design Space in downtown Los Angeles. With a panoramic view of the city lights, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Joan’s on Third and poker lessons before the tournament began.
The poker players used the new California Fashion Deck custom deck of cards, which features 52 California brands. Throughout the evening, raffle prizes were awarded, including vacation packages, tickets to sporting events and restaurant gift certificates.
Self-described poker novice Alicia Estrada was the big winner of the night. The designer of the Stop Staring! dress line won the tournament, which ended well after midnight.
The CFF is the philanthropic arm of the California Fashion Association. The nonprofit organization raised funds for scholarships and programs such as Operation School Bell, which provides school clothing to needy children. Last year, the CFF donated approximately $100,000 to various organizations, including Inner-City Arts, Habitat for Humanity, and the scholarship funds for several Southern California design schools, including the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Otis College of Art + Design, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Santa Monica College and others. —Alison A. Nieder
