About Couture for a Cause:

Couture for a Cause is a not-for-profit Jewish organization started by philanthropists Esther Silber and Michal Weinstein in efforts to aide various Jewish charities both local and abroad. Their motto is “fighting poverty with style,” and they have been doing so since their premier fashion event in 2007, which raised over $20,000 for Israeli-based charity Shlomzion. Thanks to the enormous success of their initial launch, the following year’s event was widely publicized and featured celebrity designer Kara Janx, of Project Runway fame, resulting in over $30,000 for Shlomzion as well. In 2009, Couture for a Cause turned its loving heart towards the troubles at home, teaming up with locals Toby and Uri Jacobs to throw a talk-of-the-town Purim Masquerade party, benefiting Project Eliezer, which helps families in financial crisis. With their exciting and innovative social gathering and determination to assist those in need, Couture for a Cause has established itself as the organization that marries fun with fund raising.

About Esther Silber: A graduate from Parson's School of Design, this sassy socialite went on to own high-end children’s store Alexa and Jack Children's Boutique in Miami’s uber chic South Beach as well as founded the company Bling Bling Baby, a celebrity favorite featured in OK magazine, Life & Style magazine, US Weekly magazine and on Access Hollywood. Esther is currently raising two children and donates her time to multiple non-profit Jewish organizations, many of which she serves on the Board of. Additionally, Esther rendezvous as an interior designer and personal shopper for upscale clientele. You can visit her website at www.estherincny.com About Michal Weinstein: A graduate from New York’s esteemed Stern College for Women and the School of Visual Arts for Web and Graphic design, Michal currently resides as president and c.e.o. of mlwdesign.com, a full service design firm that prides itself on excellence in technology and quality. In addition to the visual arts, Michal has a background in fashion and communication, serving in 1998 as the first internal public relations manager for fashion legend Eli Tahari’s Tahari Ltd. Michal is currently raising four children and splits her time between her successful web business as well as many non-profit organizations.

About Shlom Zion:



Dear Friends and Family,

The growing need for assistance to widows and orphans in Yerushalayim has prompted me to act and try to make a significant difference. For many years these individuals and families have been struggling to obtain the most basic necessities to maintain a normal life. Many of them walk the streets hungry and tired, beaten down by circumstances beyond their control. Without parents or a spouse to depend on, unfortunately many of them are lacking the means in which to support themselves and their loved ones. I personally know several families like this and decided to open a non profit organization called "Shlom Zion" to try and bring some comfort and peace (Shalom) to these needy individuals of Zion, Yerushalayim. Our goal is to assist financially and psychologically those affected by losing a parent or spouse and in some cases parents losing children. I am deeply involved with these families on a day to day basis and know of the growing need for help first hand.

I appeal to you on behalf of these very underprivileged individuals and present you all with an opportunity to assist. As someone who has lived in the NY area, taking the basic advantages we have for granted is a natural condition. After making Aliyah 2 years ago living on the other side of the world, seeing the basic needs and necessities these families simply cannot afford I have gotten the support of several leaders both in the US and in Eretz Yisroel such as Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Aish HaTorah and Harav HaGaon Eliezer Berland of Yerushalayim.

I thank you all for your recognition and consideration in this crucial cause. May Hashem grant us all to be part of the rebuilding of Zion speedily in our days, Amen!

Sincerely,
Sara Melman
echofloyd@aol.com
Shlom Zion