Fashion Forward Fridays: Fashion for Smiles

Hoping you all had a fantastic holiday and are enjoying some down-time now. While you're relaxing, please enjoy reading about this fabulous, up-and-coming non-profit, currently located in Pittsburgh called Fashion for Smiles, and how you can get involved with helping their mission! Here's an interview with the co-founders of Fashion for Smiles, Kyle van der Kemp and Kristen Tomkosky.

Tell us what Fashion for Smiles is all about.
Fashion for Smiles is a nonprofit (application pending) company that is changing children's lives through fashion. We've strategically aligned with two incredible charities, Operation Smile and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. We are set to host various fashion related events throughout the year, which all leads up to the Pittsburgh Smile Gala in September 2014. We are also in the process of developing the Smile Fund at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, which is designed to help any family with a child suffering from a facial deformity, by completely covering the cost of surgery and other medical expenses.

Why did you create this non-profit & what motivated you to do so?
Kristen and I started Fashion for Smiles because of our love of children and passion for helping those in need. We both have a huge interest in fashion, which is what drove us to create an organization that combined fashion and philanthropy. ‎‎

Kyle & Kristen. Photo provided by Fashion for Smiles.

What do you hope to accomplish in the near future with Fashion for Smiles?
Though Kristen and I have such a love of Pittsburgh, we are looking to move to New York City within the coming year, and we'd love to see Fashion for Smiles move and expand with us. ‎
What can attendees expect to see/do at the February Happy Hour event?
Our event is going to be filled with local celebrities including Miss and Mrs. Pennsylvania and Miyoshi Anderson, founder of Pittsburgh Fashion Week. Clicks for a Cause will be snapping fun photos that can be printed on the spot in exchange for a donation to Fashion for Smiles. There will also be a silent auction offering enticing prizes for a few lucky bidders. All guests are also encouraged to try the special drink of the night, 'smiletini'. There will also be Salsa dancing lessons from 9-9:30. 
How can people get involved/volunteer with Fashion for Smiles?
We are always looking for fashion-forward individuals to help with events, marketing, and volunteer opportunities. If interested, check out our website for more information or email us at info@fashionforsmiles.org
Anything else you'd like to add...
Anyone can help support Fashion for Smiles by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook. We also have various ways for people to give back through links on our site www.fashionforsmiles.org. ‎

For more information on the upcoming event, follow Fashion for Smiles, and I will certainly share the event link when it becomes available. But here's the need to know information for now so you can mark your calendars: 

Who: Fashion For Smiles

What: Happy Hour, get-together

When: February 13th, 2014

Where: Perle in downtown Pittsburgh's Market Square

Why: to benefit children suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities

Special guests: A gracious group of local Pittsburgh celebs are scheduled to attend, including Mrs. Pennsylvania, Mary Brennan and Model/Pittsburgh Fashion Week Founder, Miyoshi Anderson. 

This is a partnered post, but all opinions are my own.