The Bellevue Collection and the Kemper Freeman family raised more than $93,000 for Special Olympics Washington and Bellevue LifeSpring during its 12th annual Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection.

All of the ticket sales from two sold out runway events, Posh Party and The Collective, went directly to these non-profit beneficiaries.

Posh Party Trend Show held Friday, Sept. 22 generated $38,100 for Bellevue LifeSpring and The Collective held on Saturday, Sept. 23 raised $55,000 in ticket sales for Special Olympics Washington.

Special guest of Bellevue LifeSpring was Monica Hart, lifestyle expert, who revved up the crowd and reinforced the good work of the organization, which is one of the longest running nonprofits in Bellevue. Jennifer Fischer, executive director of Bellevue Lifespring, announced to the audience the grand total raised through ticket sales and contributions by the Kemper Freeman Family for the organization.

“We have more than 250 homeless children in our community,” she said. “The money from this event will help serve the 3,700 children in poverty in our area and demonstrates that the people of this community are truly good neighbors.”

Representing Special Olympics Washington was Kirby Winfield, incoming board chairman. He took the stage with his daughter Kate who has Downs Syndrome to share her story and thank the audience for their purchasing tickets to the event. He then announced that the money will go to help 200 athletes compete in the national event next year, which will be held in Seattle in July 2018.

“The excitement of these two dynamic runway events drew sold out crowds, all to both enjoy the unique opportunity these evenings offered but also to give back to these two wonderful organizations,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing, The Bellevue Collection.

Leavitt went on to share a personal story of how Bellevue LifeSpring helped her in her early years with a scholarship to allow her to further her education.

“Bellevue is home to a diverse group of people and we sometimes forget that, despite the relative prosperity, many people in Bellevue need help,” she added. “The people of this community demonstrated their commitment to supporting two or the many worthy organizations whose sole purpose is to offer a helping hand. We honor these organizations and thank everyone who bought a ticket to the events to make our donation possible.”