News

Uptown Rooftop Opens for Special Fundraiser

April 2014

The Charlotte Observer
By Hilary Trenda
April 2, 2014 5:53 PM

Want to to mix fashion and philanthropy with a sneak peek of one of uptown Charlotte's newest rooftop venues? On Friday night, the inaugural "Style Under the Stars" runway show to benefit the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage promises to roll it all together at Rooftop 210 at the EpiCentre.
Effie Loukas, owner of Lotus and mastermind behind the annual Style Night Out fashion show, is producing "Style Under the Stars." In addition to raising funds, Friday's show is meant to be a simple, but fun, showcase of spring.

"We want to get people excited to come out and support a really great cause," Loukas said.

Jamie Kimble, 31, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend on Labor Day 2012. Her parents Charlotte deputy city manager Ron Kimble and wife, Jan established her namesake foundation to raise awareness of domestic violence, to help other victims of abuse and to fund programs that curb the spread of domestic violence.

Local boutiques Fab'rik, KK Bloom, The Cheeky Bean, Doll, Vestique, Blank Canvas, Sloan Boutique, Saks Off 5th and Lotus will each showcase about five of their favorite looks for spring on the runway. Allison Latos from WSOC will host.

The majority of participating models are professionals, Loukas said, but several community leaders will be on the runway as well.

Guest models will include Ron and Jan Kimble; Tom Murray, CEO of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority; Mohammad Jenatian, president of Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance; and other Kimble family friends, Loukas said.

Though there won't be post-show pop-up shops, there will be silent auctions with items such as tickets to the U.S. Open, she said.

Organizers hope to make the show an annual event. Mike Stephens, director of Full House Productions, said "Style Under the Stars" is part of a series of high-profile events leading up to Rooftop 210's public grand opening April 11-12.

Ticket sales have been brisk so far, Stephens said. While Rooftop 210 can accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 people, Stephens said, organizers expect between 600 and 700 guests Friday night.

In the event of rain, the show will likely move to another EpiCentre venue, such as Whiskey River, Stephens said.

General admission tickets (standing room) are $20 and prime-seating VIP tickets are $40. Attire is cocktail/fashion forward, doors open at 8 p.m., and the show will likely get started around 9:30 p.m. Rooftop 210 is on the third floor of the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.