Hello Flawless readers! I’m stepping in for a guest blog because I have quite a bit to say about the fabulous Perfection Party that occurred last month in Manhattan. Many of you might know me, I was the lucky intern for Flawless in Portland last year. Of course I had to step in to my role as a Flawless Favorite Fan so I had every good reason to be at the event for each gorgeous minute, from beginning to end. I entered the party prepared to sell raffle tickets and left with a whole bunch that was much more valuable (and folks, I’m not just talking about the goodie bag…).
The first thing that struck me about the party right off the bat: blue! Everywhere I looked, people donned bright peacock blues and greens. Dresses, scarves, hair clips, heck, even hair, you couldn’t get away from Flawless’ gorgeous vibrant peacock hues. Already I could tell people were excited to celebrate Flawless in every possible way.
Now, my job as a raffle girl could not have been more perfect; I think I got to meet every person in that room, from the generous Jim Watkins from WPIX News who popped in for face time despite an extraordinary schedule (That voice! Amazing…), to the grammy award winning, incredibly talented entertainer Dan Zanes who graced us with song, to each fabulous guest, donor, and Flawless cheerleader. I was glad to mingle with the amazing board of directors (including a peacock crown-topped Alice McCarney of Alice Hair Care whose entire salon staff came out to support!), the “competition” in friendly bidding wars, and the videographers and photographers of the event, all of whom continually exclaimed that they’d never seen anything like this wonderful party.
I was so thrilled to be able to draw winning raffle tickets! As if Flawless isn’t a charmed enough venture already, I was continually shocked when I would draw a ticket and realize the prize was going to a friend, a co-worker, someone I’d already known. Maybe that was part of the magic of the evening. Maybe it was even further demonstration that in one short year, Flawless has built a real community of people who care for children, drawing in love, talent, support, and camaraderie from any place that understands what it means to see perfection.
My favorite part of the evening was watching a beautiful video that so many Flawless community members had come together to make, from the children of the Pioneer School, to New York’s beloved Al Roker (!!!) who donated his voice for narration. Watching the video and seeing old friends – teachers from Pioneer, students in the girls’ groups, Doctors whose work has changed lives – brought tears to my eyes. I had almost forgotten, in my time away from Portland, exactly how powerful the work of Flawless could be, and was so grateful to step back into the place of supreme love from which this Foundation operates. I cried, happy to see those I’d met in Portland smiling, proud to be a part of this community, and outstandingly excited at what lies in Flawless’ future.
The evening ended with a shower of acknowledgment to Flawless Founder Janine Francolini. And rightly so. The evening was a showcase of the miracles Flawless has created so far, and an exciting testament to the ones yet to be created, and all because of her vision, creativity, and passion for seeking perfection in all children. I am grateful to know her, grateful for the evening, and grateful for the wonderful Foundation that is Flawless.
With love and gratitude,
Emily
