Butler Enterprises hosted its first annual holiday fashion show, Deck The Runway, on Friday, November 19th. The event grossed over $100,000 for PALS THRIVE. It was an evening of fun, fashion, and philanthropy celebrating the latest styles from Butler retailers.
For the inaugural show, Butler Enterprises partnered with PALS THRIVE. PALS THRIVE provides free counseling and mental health services to teens within a school environment focusing on bullying, suicide, and violence prevention. This program offers an altruistic atmosphere in schools where mental illness is understood, diversity is supported, and all teens feel included and valued. PALS THRIVE is in all public high schools in Gainesville, Florida. PALS THRIVE was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and won the prestigious Sapphire Award from Blue Foundation. PALS THRIVE relies on donations for support and expansion to other schools in our area.
Local jazz band, Giselle and Erik, performed live Christmas music as guests mingled in the enchanting space transformed into a winter wonderland by Keith Watson Events. Delicious bites and festive cocktails were provided from favorite Butler restaurants such as 4Rivers, Bonefish, Whole Foods, Kilwins, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Total Wine, Bolay, Grub, P.F. Chang’s, Firehouse Subs, and Bahama Breeze Island Grille.
Trader Joe’s generously donated all the floral arrangements adorning the event space.
Models slayed the runway in festive styles from the most popular local boutiques and retailers. Curated collections included pieces from Athleta, Agapanthus, Narcissus, Alumni Hall, REI, CycleBar, Pink Narcissus, and exquisite jewelry from The Village Jeweler.
For VIP ticket holders, The Village Jeweler hosted a private cocktail hour (6PM – 7PM) in their boutique for an exclusive sneak-peek at the estate jewelry collection from John Angelo. Mayra Kucera, a professional violinist, performed an intimate musical concert as attendees shopped throughout the store.
From statement jewelry, Sister Hazel memorabilia, and home improvement packages, guests bid on an exciting assortment of high-quality items at the silent auction.
Santa made a guest appearance at the end of the fashion show to light the Butler Town Center Christmas tree as a special surprise. Kilwins offered all attendees homemade hot chocolate as a sweet finale.
As a thank you, sponsors received thank you bags filled with free products, gift cards, and coupons from favorite Butler retailers such as Massage Envy, CycleBar, Narcissus, Kilwins, Agapanthus, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
The co-presenting sponsors of Deck The Runway are Bosshardt Family of Companies and North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care.
Bosshardt Realty Services, LLC was founded in 1987 by Carol Bosshardt. Her vision was to create a suite of real estate services under one roof to serve her clients better. Today, the Bosshardt family of companies offers real estate services that include Property Management, Community Association Management, Maintenance Services, mini storage units, Title Insurance, Residential, Multifamily, Commercial leasing and sales, land sales, and New Homes and Communities Division. Currently, Carol’s son Aaron Bosshardt owns and operates Bosshardt Realty, and his wife, Kim, a Florida Board Certified Real Estate Attorney, owns and operates Bosshardt Title Insurance. Carol owns and runs Bosshardt Property Management. Bosshardt’s industry-leading Associates are guaranteed to provide successful outcomes for all of its clients. This experienced team’s goal has always been to provide “true customer service.”
Dr. Gregory D. Snodgrass, a premier ophthalmologist, practicing in the Gainesville area since 1987, has always had a passion for providing the community with a place that offers a wide range of quality eye care services and treatments for the entire family. In 2016, Dr. Snodgrass was able to do just that when he founded North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, skilled staff, and experienced physicians. Offering everything from comprehensive eye examinations to diagnose and monitor diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration; to routine exams including glasses prescriptions and contact lens fittings. They are also equipped with two optical boutiques run by licensed opticians who can help find the perfect designer frames for any face. Dr. Snodgrass and his team of knowledgeable physicians specialize in laser-assisted cataract surgery, corneal transplants, LipiFlow dry eye treatments, low vision reading devices, and more!
