University to host fashion fundraiser

   "Fashion Speaks," the 2007 Service in Style benefit fashion show, will take place Friday, April 13, at 10 p.m. on Frist South Lawn at Princeton University.
   According to organizers, Service in Style has grown to be the largest and most widely attended student-run event at Princeton University. Last year, the sold-out event raised nearly $14,000 for the charity Operation Smile through the donations from about 700 audience members and various sponsors.
   This year, "Fashion Speaks" will benefit autism research by donating 90 percent of the show’s proceeds to Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes of autism; seeking effective prevention and treatment of the disorder; raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society; bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships associated with autism, and, ultimately, finding a cure.
   Founded in 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, Autrism Speaks has since merged with The National Association for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), making Autism Speaks the largest nationwide organization dedicated to autism research.
   The remaining 10 percent of the show’s proceeds will benefit the Eden Institute, the New Jersey-based organization dedicated to accommodating the lifespan needs of those with autism. Eden Institute is closely affiliated with Princeton University.
   Service in Style involves a broad range of students — from student models and designers, to campus entertainment groups, to students involved with publicity and production — and draws a diverse cross-section of the student body and greater Princeton community to the show.
   Arianne Lovelace and Courtney Brein, the students at the helm of this year’s show, hope that the organization "will be able to achieve the same results as in years previous so that Princeton can make a meaningful contribution to helping those suffering from autism."
   Tickets are available now and reservations are recommended as space is limited.
   To reserve, contact Arianne Lovelace ([email protected]) or Courtney Brein ([email protected]).
   For more information about the charities, visit www.autismspeaks.org and www.edenservices.org.