Award season might be over but there is one more red carpet event to talk about, thanks to the ladies of Couture for a Cause, who raised a record-breaking $30,000 for an Israeli charity at their high-brow tzedakah event last Thursday evening.

Hosted at the home of Hewlett Bay Park's Esther Silber, the 2nd annual Couture for a Cause lived up to its lavish reputation. From the glass enclosed displays of Harmon Milano's fine jewelry, to high-end raffles such as a trip to Las Vegas, the Mac Air Book, Mikimoto pearls, and a Gucci wallet and purse, guests were given the royal V.I.P. treatment. And to solidify its place as a bona fide fashion event, designer and Project Runway finalist Kara Janx came with her seal of fashion approval.

"What an event.," said Janx, whose famous fashions have donned everyone from Julia Roberts to Natalie Portman. Janx was so taken by the evening that she even slipped her name into raffles for a pair of retro bicycles and baby gear, as well as expressed interest in being involved in next year's event.

The raffles, which were elegantly displayed on tables around the house, fell into the $10, $25 and $50 categories, with a special "swag bag" filled with perfume, Avon products and Miamica travel accessories for those who spent $300 or more on tickets.

"My whole family lives in Israel, so I have a strong connection [to any charity] that helps women in Israel. My mom [Barbara Goldstein] lives there and is the Deputy Executive Director of Hadassah in Israel, so I wanted to help this cause and pay it forward," said Miamica founder Devra Miller, who donated her trendy travel bags, which are sold at ShopIntuition.com amongst other retailers.

"I think the night's success is really attributed to the fact that women are sensitive to the needs of others and are inclined to give back," added Miller.

The charity at benefit was Shlomzion, an Israeli organization that specializes in the needs of orphans and widows. Co-founder Sara Melman, flew in from Jerusalem for the event, and was touched by the outpouring of generosity. "I'm looking forward to going back and helping a lot of people at home [in Israel]," Melman said.

But with so many charities and events to choose from, Couture for a Cause has managed to stand out as the social event of the year thanks to their trademark runway show, which was fashioned by local favorite Miri Couture. Like last year's event, committee members doubled as runway models and worked the catwalk, along with two professional models, to the delight of the crowd. After the show, Silber, who was joined by daughter Alexa as well as other mini starlets, announced the evenings raffle winners. The mob then gathered inside to redeem prizes as well as take one last nibble of the Chanel logo cookies

"Everyone in our community, from the local stores who donated their goods to the incredible hardworking commitee, really banded together to make this event such a huge success." said Michal Weinstein, co-chair with Esther Silber of Couture for a Cause.
Added Silber, "The event this year was bigger and better than last years, as I predicted it would be. We raised more money, had a larger turnout and the raffles were truly outrageous! next year will be even be even more fabulous..."

With a little style and a lot of heart, it was evident that the gals of the 5 Towns really do know how to dress for success.

**For more information on Shlomzion as well as a list of sponsors, please visit Couture for a Cause.com