On Sunday, March 16th, the Vistas for Children Fashion Show lit up with an unforgettable moment as Karena, who began services with PPV at age two with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), walked the runway with grace and confidence. With a little help from her sighted Jr. Vista peer, Alexa, Karena proved just how bright her star can shine.
This beautiful moment showcased the incredible support that Vistas for Children and its Jr. Vistas provide to PPV through generous grants and family events. We are deeply grateful to Vistas for Children for giving Karena this chance to be celebrated.
Karena was born with life-threatening health issues at birth and was introduced to PPV at the age of two while on hospice. Karena is thriving and PPV has had the privilege of supporting her visual and learning challenges with accommodations that include desktop magnification devices, high contrast materials and screen reading tools. Mo, who is on our PPV Board, and John, participate in family events like our Build-A-Bear workshop, thanks to Vistas. When Jayanna Howerton, Jr. Vistas Chairperson reached out to us about including Karena alongside her sighted peers in the fashion show, there was no hesitation. These opportunities for self-confidence and independence are rare for children like Karena but critical in order to to build self-esteem, establish and meet expectations and goals.
"Having a Human Guide at such an inclusive event is life changing. Karena has spent 3 years developing her hearing and touch to adapt to her environment. Cerebral Visual Impairment is unpredictable, and can make someone fearful and nervous. Since being a part of PPV, Karena has learned how to be brave and trust the skills at whatever level they are. The educators, coordinators, partners, and professionals that put together this event were able to consider the human experience, not just the human. Karena was able to be a part of a special event that celebrated being unique. Fashion has a way of pushing boundaries, not only for the designer but for the model and the audience. In its unique art form, the runway allows the community to showcase its values. It is indeed a sweet life when beauty in the eyes of the beholder has no limits in sight!" - Mo, Karena's Mother
The Vistas for Children "La Dolce Vita Spring Fashion Show Luncheon and Boutique" took place at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. This year marked the 19th annual fundraiser for the organization, drawing hundreds of guests who enjoyed a day of fashion, philanthropy, and fun.
Guests were treated to a runway show featuring designs from Margi Kent, a Los Angeles based fashion designer that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind custom designs for any occasion. Margi’s creations have been worn by iconic artists like Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and many more, and her designs are featured in the permanent collections of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Metropolitan Museum, and The Grammy Museum. The event also included a gourmet lunch and a live auction.
The show was more than just an opportunity to enjoy great fashion—it was a celebration of giving back. All proceeds from the event support South Bay children facing cancer, eye diseases, disabilities, abuse, homelessness, and more.
Karena through the years with PPV
Vistas for Children is a 100% volunteer philanthropic organization for the South Bay of Los Angeles dedicated to supporting special needs children and their families. The mission of Vistas for Children is to raise and distribute funds for special needs children and be a system of support for those children and their families. It includes, but is not limited to, children who are multi-disabled, abused, homeless, terminally ill, foster children and children who suffer from pediatric illnesses, such as retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye).
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