5th Annual C4AC: Where Music Meets Fashion For A Cure

On August 12, 2012 some of Atlanta’s fashion-forward hit the red carpet inside the historic Georgia Freight Depot for one of the most dynamic spectacular charity fashion events of the season. Tastemakers, celebrities and supporters joined Polow da Don to celebrate his 5th anniversary of Zone 4, Inc. and commemorate Foundation F.O.C.U.S’ 3rd year of service with the 5th Annual Celebration 4 A Cause (C4AC) fundraiser.

Hosting the evening’s festivities were National Hot Rod Association driver, Nicole Lyons and C4AC Creative Director & Founder, Clay West. Quickly becoming a household name in the industry, Lyons has won four national NASCAR events in 2011, is poised to become the first African-American female NASCAR driver in 2012-2013 and has been featured on FOX Sports' Car Warriors on Speed TV.

Other celebrities who made a guest appearance during the event included: Zone 4, Inc. recording artist, Keri Hilson, reality TV star Toya Wright a F.O.C.U.S. 4 LIFE campaign ambassador who also premiered her women's collection Adori Denim during the fashion show, singer Meelah Williams formerly of the platinum selling girls group 702, celebrity stylist and reality TV star, Derek J and model Yelena Leuchanka of the WNBA Atlanta Dream, just to name a few. C4AC media partner and publisher of Jones Magazine, Londell McMillan also joined the celebration.

The evening kicked into full gear when R & B's newest sensation, Luke James performed a soulful medley of familiar tunes and sang his debut single "I Want You" while Disney’s Next Big Thing teen stars, Chloe and Halle Bailey dedicated their rendition of the "Greatest Love of All" to all of the F.O.C.U.S. Honorees.

Each year C4AC showcases some the hottest designers and this year was no exception. The youngest fashionistas of the show exploded on the catwalk with couture fashions designed by Linda Gail & Lolita Alonso. The main event featured women's wear from Brooklyn-based twin designers, Idyl & Ayaan – MATAANO. This dynamic duo presented their 2012 collection and returned with an encore presentation of some of their 2012 Fall/Winter pieces. Atlanta native and famed designer Mychael Knight presented pieces from his "Lost World" collection. London-based designer, Chantell Walters premiered her fresh, new collection for the first time on the runway New designers LaToia & Michelle of LaToiaMichelle also presented pieces from their new line of designer wear. This year’s men’s fashions were provided by MARCC, Fli Pelican, Exclusive Game, and Zeno.

Foundation F.O.C.U.S. presented awards to notable pioneers within the fields of community service, music and fashion. Those awarded included: Josh Powell, Tameka Foster-Raymond and The Touch Movement in memory of its founder La'Tasha Harris.

As if the fantastic fashions and music weren’t enough, celebrity photographer, Drexina Nelson's F.O.C.U.S. 4 LIFE campaign PSA featuring campaign ambassadors: actor and model Mehcad Brooks, Nicole Lyons, Zone 4, Inc. Recording Artist Veronica Vega, Chloe & Halle Bailey, NBA Player& Philanthropist Josh Powell, and designer & model Amalie Wichmann and actress & singer Demetria McKinney.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Celebration 4 A Cause benefit in support of the American Cancer Society. Polow da Don’s Zone 4, Inc. and Foundation F.O.C.U.S. teamed up with event sponsors BMI, Beats by Dre, Design Essentials Hair Care Products, Bronner Brothers, Inc., Given Liqueur and Grey Goose's Cherry Noir as the event's cocktail sponsors. Guests recieved fabulous swag bags from the following gift bag sponsors: Carol's Daughter, Organic Root Stimulator, FRS Energy Drink, Jones & Source Magazines, and exclusive pieces from Lil Wayne's skater line TRUKFIT.

Celebration 4 A Cause was created out of the need to educate the community about the growing epidemic of cancer. “I believe cancer can be cured but, it must start with how we think and approach the disease. I believe that we should focus on educating and preventions,”said Polow Da Don, the foundation's founder.

"We want to bring something new, fresh, and innovative to Atlanta that truly means something and we're determined to make C4AC a staple event. For those of us who have put in are hard work, if we can change one life through this benefit then we've done our job. The mission of Celebration 4 A Cause is to create a stronger awareness about cancer and influence change in our communities through music, fashion, and artistic expression, we plan to do our part every year," said C4AC creative director, Clay West.

Foundation F.O.C.U.S. (Focusing on Completion Until Successful) is a non-profit organization founded by Multi-Platinum Super Producer, Polow Da Don (Zone 4 Inc., CEO) and music executive Mia Welsh (Zone 4, Inc. General Manager).

For more information on Foundation F.O.C.U.S. and ways to get involved, please visit www.foundationfocus.org online.