Bipolar Takes Center Stage at Saks Fashion Show

Over $140,000 was raised to combat Bipolar disorder at a stunning Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show held earlier this year to benefit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund. Showcasing the unique and rich fall collection of Italian fashion house, ETRO, the highly anticipated event drew more than 200 guests and some of Detroit’s top models to Saks at the Somerset Collection in Troy, Mich. Introducing the show was Cheryl Hall Lindsay, director of fashion and public relations at Saks, followed by comments from Waltraud (“Wally”) Prechter. Dr. Melvin McInnis, who heads up the Prechter Bipolar Genetics Repository at the University of Michigan Depression Center, provided show attendees with a brief overview of research being conducted by the Prechter initiative.

Proceeds from the show benefit the fund’s gene repository, which is a one-of-a-kind project in the nation. The repository collects DNA samples from individuals with and without bipolar disorder. The DNA is evaluated to find clues to early diagnosis and a roadmap to understanding causes and identify treatments.

All monies raised at the fashion show have been matched as part of a challenge grant by the World Heritage Foundation – Prechter Family Fund.

The fashion show benefit was made possible by the generous support of:

SPONSORS

Comerica Bank
Elevate
Erhard BMW
Hylant Group
Jones Family Foundation
Scott Snow (Financial Advisors) llC

IN-KIND SUPPORT

ETRO
Saks Fifth Avenue
Hour Detroit
Dragon Blue
Jacques-Cardin Apple Cognac
Ritz Carlton-Dearborn
Waltraud E. Prechter

 

Press Release

Fashion Show to Increase Awareness and Support of Bipolar Disorder
April 2, 2009