The volunteers of the Assistance League of the Eastside are dedicated to helping those in crisis. The local nonprofit organization demonstrated its commitment to the community during the recent Step Into Style Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Although fashion was at the forefront of the event as models walked the runway, the underlining philanthropic element was what ultimately brought together the hundreds who gathered for the luncheon.

The annual event held at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue raised more than $80,000 for three community-based programs including the Assault Survivor Kits program, Assistance League Outreach and Operation School Bell.

This past year, the Assistance League of the Eastside delivered 1,330 Assault Survivor Kits to 26 hospitals throughout Washington state.

“Imagine being a victim of sexual assault. You’ve been taken to a hospital. The police have taken all your clothing and shoes and give you a hospital gown to go home in. This is the need we heard about and responded,” explained Darcy Hollie, the vice president of philanthropic programs.

The kits that members assemble include a sweatsuit, underwear, toiletries, clean socks and sandals.

“As one survivor told us, it gave her back a little bit of her dignity during the most traumatic of times,” Hollie said at the Step Into Style luncheon.

The Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt was a buzz with energy leading up to the fashion show and dance performance presented by Dance Voyage Studios. Guests strolled from table to table, examining the center pieces made up of new handbags, high heels and a fancy, one-of-a-kind hat. The center pieces were for up for bid, raising additional funds for the Assistance League.

Newport House of Bellevue donated the fashion worn down the runway by several members of the Assistance League and donated 20 percent of sales from the boutique shopping event following the luncheon.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425-453-4602.