L.A. Designer Plans Third Annual Fashion Fund-raiser for Malaria Relief
Los Angeles–based designer M’Backe Seye will host his third annual fashion fundraiser, Defal Sa Walle, on Aug. 11 in downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s event will feature an M’Backe fashion show, reception, children’s ballet, auction and raffle prizes.
South African singer Lorraine Klaasen will also per form at the event. The Senegalese-born, Paris-trained designer launched Defal Sa Walle in 2006 to raise money to buy mosquito nets and medication to help children battling malaria.
“Defal Sa Walle” means “Do Your Part” in Wolof, the Senegalese language.
According to the designer, 1.3 million people die every year in Africa from malaria, a mosquito-borne disease for which there is no cure. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, according to Seye, who said mosquito nets for beds cost about $9 per bed and medications cost between $60 and $120.
Catering at the event will be provided by Royal Catering.
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Tatou Club and restaurant, located at 333 S. Boylston St. in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit www.defalsawalle.com, e-mail elianepilorget@yahoo.com or mbackecreation@yahoo.com, or call (213) 622-6690. —Alison A. Nieder
