BAC2Fashion’s sixth annual charity fashion show explored Toronto’s fashion heritage last week while benefiting Toronto seniors at the same time.

The May 28 event was held at the Warehouse Event Venue in Downsview Park, which was draped with gorgeous sheer fabrics and lit with lavender lights for more than 300 invited guests.

Guests were greeted by upbeat melodies from violinist Tino Popovic. Beyond appetizer hors d’oeuvres, sweet tables offered a variety of desserts, all donated, to those with a sweet tooth. Guests also had a chance to win one of many gift packages available in the fundraising raffle. 

Once again, proceeds went to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s social, recreational, educational, cultural and health programs for seniors. The evening raised $55,400, surpassing the event’s $40,000 goal. Programs and organizations that benefited included Circle of Care, social programs at the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living, and JF & CS’ programs for Holocaust survivors.

BAC2Fashion has now raised more than $150,000 to support seniors initiatives in Toronto. 

Steven and Marcia Krystal, parents of Andy Krystal, a model in the show, came out to support the cause because, Marcia Krystal said, “both seniors and Holocaust survivors deserve a lot more attention than what we are giving them, because they went through so much.” The cause is very close to the Krystals, whose parents, along with those of many other guests, were Holocaust survivors.

The volunteer models sported clothing from top retailers and designers in Toronto and Israel, including Sense of Independence, Tana + Bee, Over The Rainbow, Shenkin West, Jeromes, Masha Apparel, Jilian Dayna, and Intuition.

Along with the soft fabrics, suits and fun bright colours, Tyler Keating and Daniella Watters, two up-and-coming musicians, hit the stage and surprised the audience by performing their latest songs.

In a statement, event chairs Carly Goldberg, Nicole Inwentash, Jilian Naiberg, and Hannah Gofman, noted that “it costs approximately $10,000 per year to care for one senior, and there is a growing waiting list of 250 seniors who currently do not receive adequate care.”

BAC2Fashion is just one way that UJA’s Community Connect links young adults to the Jewish community. Besides raising money, BAC2Fashion also holds programs such as intergenerational yoga and a Tea and Talent Show that let young adults and seniors build more meaningful relationships with one another.