December | 2012
Do Good + Look Good Fundraiser
Venice, CA. December, 2012.
Growing from a simple storefront operation to the largest free into the largest free clinic in the country, the Venice Family Clinic is such an inspiration. Honoring its more than 40 years of service, Burning Torch hosted a shopping benefit for special guests and friends of the Venice Family Clinic, donating 40% of purchases in support of their fine work. A stellar turnout enjoyed flowing champagne, tasty bites and the start of the holiday season.
December | 2012
The Power of PINK
Los Angeles, CA. December, 2012.
It was an honor to be selected as one of five featured companies who participated in this star-studded event that raised funds for the Margie Petersen Breast Center at St. John's Health Center. Hosted by Sony Studios in Culver City with an intimate performance by Grammy award winning artist P!NK, the inaugural event was hugely successful. Karyn and the other attendees had lots of fun and felt good knowing that women will receive top notch care in their fight with breast cancer.
JULY | 2012
Burning Torch Opens Flagship Store on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice
Benefits Cura Orphanage
Venice, CA. June 20, 2012.
The celebration marking Burning Torch's grand opening of its flagship boutique on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach was an evening enjoyed by all! We had a great time and also raised funds for Kenya's Cura Orphanage, a special project close to the heart of the Burning Torch creative community.
Along with delicious nibbles, bubbling champagne and inspiring views, friends old and new had a chance to celebrate the start of summer in the garden while shopping for charity in the historic space. Charmed by the musical talents of Shannon Michael Terry and The Open Door Orchestra, guests browsed the vintage sunglasses, Victorian fine jewelry, tastefully curated furnishings and a wide variety of upcycled and unique sportswear from the Burning Torch studio. Everything in the boutique is available for purchase, from the antique furniture, upcycled cashmere throws and pillows, to vintage collectibles.
Located in an historic building from 1925 which was once home to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and later a boxing ring used by Muhammad Ali, the boutique is not just a shop but a destination where people can spend time, relax and connect. Just as the collection recycles vintage elements, transforming the ordinary into fabulously upcycled garments and accessories, the store also features eco conscious fundamentals, even down to the paint on its walls. Burning Torch founder Karyn Craven hopes to inspire everyone to create positive action as well as beauty in the world. With eco friendly practices and materials for which the brand is so well known, future plans include home furnishings and fragrances.
DECEMBER | 2011
Burning Torch Benefit Party "Hope for the Holidays" December 2011
It was a charmed and enchanting evening hosted by Burning Torch on behalf of Kenya's Cura Orphanage, a haven for children who have lost their parents to AIDS. Cura is part of the wonderful Creative Visions Foundation family, an organization dedicated to inspiring each of us to make a positive difference.
With notable attendees including director Jon Turtletaub, model Kirsty Hume, actress Sarah Rue and Creative Vision's Kathy Eldon and Amy Eldon Turtletaub, the event was a sparkling success. A wonderful silent auction, representing such a heartfelt outpouring of care and concern for these inspiring children featured beautiful clothing from Burning Torch, with upcycled cashmere, washed leather and a stunning beaded dress garnering heavy bidding. Adventure was no stranger, with attendees bidding on exciting safaris, Paris hotel accommodations, stellar artworks and lavish books. It was so wonderful to see our fashion, art and creative community in action. Big thank you's go out to all who made this benefit such a success with their generosity.
Special thanks to the sponsors, including Wally Marks, owner of the historic Helms Bakery building, Deleon Hand Crafted Tequila, the Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio, and all our auction donors.
Click on above image to view the photo gallery.
Cura Orphanage is a project of the Creative Visions Foundation, Rotary Clubs in Kenya and the United States, as well as the Slum Doctors Programme and other well-wishers. There are 50 children in the orphanage, ranging in age from 5 - 11 years. The children have settled in marvelously under the excellent care of manager Moses Machara and his wonderful housemothers. The youngest ones attend the local pre-primary school, while most go to the primary school. It's good to see they're all near the top of their classes!
Creative Visions Foundation supports "Creative Activists", individuals who use the power of media and the arts to create positive change in the world. Creative Visions Foundation partners with creative activists through fiscal sponsorship, mentorship and outreach programs to develop, thrive and promote vital social change. Their network of creative activists inspires others to be the spark of change in communities all over the world.
NOVEMBER | 2011
2nd Annual Autumn Party Benefitting Philanthropic Society Los Angeles
Last Wednesday the second annual Autumn Party benefiting PSLA (Philanthropic Society Los Angeles) was held at The London West Hollywood Hotel Rooftop. Along with enviable silent auction items, a Nozawa Sushi bar, and a drop-dead gorgeous 360 degree view the attendees viewed a fashion show by Yigal Azrouel sponsored by the the luxury fine jeweler Solange Azagury-Partridge.
Fashionistas came out in large numbers to the sold out event to see Azrouel's Spring 2012 collection. Yigal, who participates in New York Fashion Week, showed his collection in Los Angeles for the first time ever. Many celebrities and notables came out such as:
Nicole Richie, Amy Smart, Rumer Willis, John Henson, Estella Warren, Lauren Conrad, Cameron Silver, Aimee Garcia, Amanda Righetti, Lydia Hearst, Brent Bolthouse, Annelise Peterson, designer J. Mendel and many, many Los Angeles stylists and personalities to see the show and support PSLA.
PSLA, founded by Arcade Boutique owner, Rochelle Gores Fredston who also hosted Wednesday's event, benefits Children's Institute, Inc. Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) provides healing and services to abused and traumatized children and families in the Los Angeles area. All monies raised through
PSLA will benefit one of CII's underfunded projects. This year funds will go directly to Project ERIN which provides emergency response intervention both with a CII member and a police car to families dealing with violence helping children primarily under the age of seven. Project Erin sees that children get the services they need to recover from the trauma experienced from domestic violence.
OCTOBER | 2010
Prototypes' 1st Annual Hope, Health and Independence Charity Golf Tournament
Burning Torch sponsored Prototypes' 1st Annual Hope, Health and Independence Charity Golf Tournament held at the beautiful Mountain Gate Country Club in Los Angeles. With a strong turnout of golfers and sponsors, Prototypes was able to raise approximately $30,000. Burning Torch is proud to help Prototypes fulfill its mission of rebuilding the lives of women, children and communities impacted by substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence. To learn more about Prototypes, visit their website at www.prototypes.org.
DECEMBER | 2009
Burning Torch 10th Anniversary Celebration
And Fundraiser For Cura Orphanage In Kenya
On Dec. 3, 2009, fashion house Burning Torch celebrated its tenth anniversary. In honor of all those who have contributed to the life and spirit of the brand, founder and designer Karyn Craven organized a fundraising holiday event to benefit Cura Orphanage, outside Nairobi, Kenya.
This fundraising evening included dining, dancing, and a DJ, as well as an eclectic silent auction which included gift certificates, books, music, art, hotel accommodations, spa treatments, dining, and of course, items from the Burning Torch collection. The party was held at the LightSpace Studio in the historic Helms Bakery complex.
The event was a huge success, raising much needed funds for the orphanage. It is our hope that all who attended departed with an awakened spirit of community.
Burning Torch was founded in 1999 by Karyn Craven. The brand, like each of its individual pieces, is built on respect for individuals and their cultures. The collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, organic and global sentiments. Unique to the company is Craven's commitment to recycling materials and to the idea that the energy of all time and history is in each and every garment. Burning Torch's philosophy and distinctive designs have propelled the line into a consistent favorite among a diverse fashion-forward clientele both here in the US and abroad.
Click on above image to view the photo gallery.
Cura Orphanage is a project of the Creative Visions Foundation, Rotary Clubs in Kenya and the United States, as well as the Slum Doctors Programme and other well-wishers. There are 50 children in the orphanage, ranging in age from 5 - 11 years. The children have settled in marvelously under the excellent care of manager Moses Machara and his wonderful housemothers. The youngest ones attend the local pre-primary school, while most go to the primary school. It's good to see they're all near the top of their classes!
Creative Visions Foundation supports "Creative Activists", individuals who use the power of media and the arts to create positive change in the world. Creative Visions Foundation partners with creative activists through fiscal sponsorship, mentorship and outreach programs to develop, thrive and promote vital social change. Their network of creative activists inspires others to be the spark of change in communities all over the world.