Friday, October 28, 2011

2011 Step and Repeat Photos!

Click here to view some of this year's step and repeat photos! More are still to come! Thank you, Red Sparrow Photography!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

THANK YOU

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE THAT CAME OUT AND PARTICIPATED AT THIS YEAR'S 2ND ANUAL RUNWAY TO FREEDOM!

PHOTOS + VIDEO
WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY 
SO BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES!


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Day Northwest

Lauren Grinell and close friends and RTF volunteers spent yesterday morning on set of 
New Day Northwest where RTF was graciously given a great segment! 

What an honor to have been able to spread the word with the likes of New Day Northwest!



Thursday, September 29, 2011

Designer Spotlight: Rene Ropas






Curious to learn about some of the fashions that will be appearing at Runway to Freedom? Here is a peek at some of the past creations done by Rene Ropas' Morgan Carson.

For more click here and here.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Donation Items for New Beginnings


I know you're all excited for our event on October 20th, but there are things you could do to help New Beginnings starting today! It has come to our attention that New Beginnings needs items from the list below. To donate, compile them to bring to the show where volunteers will be collecting them.

  • Women's and Children's Underwear
  • Digital Converter Boxes
  • Coaxial Cables (for Basic Cable)
  • New infant car seat
  • New convertible car seat
  • New-born clothing
  • Flat Panel Monitor
  • Umbrella Strollers
  • Pull ups, diapers & baby wipes
  • Bus Tickets
  • Non-perishable Food
  • Women and children's underwear

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Meet Cozbi Hultz

Cozbi Hults
ZZPhotography

V: What is your role with Runway to Freedom?
C: I'm a photographer in charge of all of Runway to Freedom's graphic design. I also created the blog and am working closely with Lauren to develop concepts and make sure that all media and imagery is cohesive.

V: Why do you feel strongly about this cause?
C: It's definitely a topic that needs more attention. People that have been in abusive relationships or witnessed them need to know where to get help. Imagine being in that situation and having to ask yourself questions like: Where should I go? Who do I talk to? What about my children? That's the beauty of New Beginnings. They are willing to help you and your children with the necessary resources and much needed support system. They help you feel empowered when you are powerless!

V: It's amazing that so many companies, entertainers, and sponsors have gotten together and donated their time and work into the show! What do you think this says about the Seattle community?
C: I'm continually surprised by the support of women, especially small business owners! Even when scheduling is difficult and volunteering takes so much time, work, and sacrifice, these women show unbelievable comradery.

V: Thanks, Cozbi! And on a fun note, if you could ask yourself any question, what would it be?

C: "Where will I be in five years?"

V: So on that note, where will you be in five years?
C: With an amazing family, a strong business, and celebrating the 7th anniversary of Runway to Freedom!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Meet Lauryn Grinnell, Founder of Runway to Freedom

Lauryn Grinnell
Intermezzo Salon & Spa

V: Why did you start the Runway to Freedom fashion show?
L: I started the Runway to Freedom fashion show in 2010 to raise awareness around domestic violence, a topic that needs to be recognized since it taints so many of our lives. I also started it to give victims a solution out of their unhealthy environments and abusive relationships through raising money for the non profit of New Beginnings. I've learned that even in our short lives, we all can and should give back and this is my way of doing so.

V: What makes Runway to Freedom different from other charity events?
L: Runway to Freedom is a different type of charity show in the sense that everyone involved is a volunteer, which is absolutely incredible. No one is paid for donating their time or services. It also is the only fashion show I know of that raises money for a domestic violence shelter in Seattle, Wa.

V: What is your goal of Runway to Freedom in the future?
L: My goal for Runway to Freedom in the future is to become bigger and better allowing me to reach out to wider audiences and raise more money. I have contacted other venues for the future so if anyone has suggestions around places that would be willing to host 500+ in attendance for events let me know! At some point Runway to Freedom may also support other or multiple charities at a time.

V: Switching gears, I know you believe in staying chic as much as you believe in empowerment. Do you have any useful hair care tips for our readers?
L: My favorite hair tip at the moment would be using a wand/cone iron to curl or create wave in your hair. This is a very old-school Hollywood look turned modern! You wrap the hair about 2 inches down from the base of the hair, hold it in the iron for 20 seconds, and then let loose. Then pin the curl with a bobbi or double-pronged clip. After setting your whole head in this way, take out all the pins and then with a wide tooth, comb your hair straight down in a horizontal position to soften that curl into a wave. The last step is to spray with a light hold hair spray and there you have it! Timeless curls! If you want some help with it come see me at lntermezzo Salon and Spa so we can have a styling session.

Thanks so much for reading everyone! I, of course, am on Facebook and Twitter (@seattlehair). Visit my personal site at lalascuts.com for some of my styling work on set.

Lauren Grinnell (left)

Check It Out: New Beginnings, our charity organization


Besides the fiercely chic fashion and seriously poppin' music, Runway to Freedom is first and foremost a charity event with a mission. Help us battle domestic violence in the Seattle area by raising awareness. Visit the New Beginnings website here to learn more.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Check It Out: DJ Miguel Rockwell in Clockwork's "Hold On"

Speaking of DJ Miguel Rockwell, be sure to take a look at the awesome video of his group Clockwork here. You can also follow him on Twitter @miguelrockwell!


DJ Miguel Rockwell (center) with his group, Clockwork.

Check It Out: PNK Ultra Lounge



We love PNK Restaurant and Ultra Lounge, the venue where this year's Runway to Freedom is being held! Any fabulous place that supports great charities and serves amazing food gets an A+ in our books!

Meet Yani Molina-Garcia

Yani, our silent auction extraordinaire, pictured with DJ Miguel Rockwell who will be providing the jams for the night! Dream team? I think so!

Please meet Yani Molina-Garcia of Intermezzo Salon & Spa, one of the hard workers on Runway to Freedom's board of directors!

V: How did you get started with Runway to Freedom?
Y: I attended last year's since I'm friends with Lauren. We started working together and I told her that if she did it again I wanted to be a part of it because it's such a great event.

V: While working on the show is there anything that has surprised you?
Y: Just the amount of support and willingness to help from local businesses! You'd be surprised to find how supportive people that you just meet are. It really shows how the cause and event speaks for itself.

V: How do you envision the event helping victims of domestic abuse?
Y: Since it's a topic that's not spoken about often, it'll bring awareness and really open lines of communication to get people to feel more comfortable to call a hotline or go to New Beginnings. Going to this event shows that there are people here to support them.

V: Thanks, Yani! Is there a fun fact about yourself you'd like to share with us?
Y: When I'm not working on the event, I'm an esthetician at Intermezzo Salon & Spa who happens to be sponsoring the event! If any of you blog readers out there want to come in for lash extensions, I'd love to give you 10% off!

V: Battling domestic violence and making the world a beautiful place? We sure could use more of you!

2011 Runway to Freedom Flyer



Designed by Cozbi Hultz of ZZPhotography! Isn't it gorgeous?

New York Cupcakes: Best of Western Washington


New York Cupcakes will be serving all guests with a treat at the show, but they need your help! Vote them for "Best Cupcakes in Western Washington" here!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

2011 RTF LOCATION

We are excited to announce our 2nd annual Runway to Freedom location as 
Pink Ultra Lounge in Pacific Place! 

Today the production team met in the beautiful, contemporary space 
and is so excited to be bringing this year's show into such a great venue!

From the silent auction to a fabulous, long runway... Pink is sure to host this year's show just wonderfully.

Stay tuned for important news including when ticket sales will open!


Monday, August 8, 2011

WELCOME TO RTF'S OFFICAL WEBSITE & BLOG

Thank you for your interest in Runway to Freedom!

We are proud to launch this website & blog and look forward to further spreading the word about RTF!