Smile Foundation, a national level development organization, showcased the 7th edition of its fundraiser ‘Ramp for Champs’ today at Hotel Renaissance, Powai and it was attended by the who’s who of the city. With a special focus on education for the girl children, funds raised from Ramp for Champs will be utilized through Smile Foundation’s national level programme – Mission Education.
India’s only charity fashion event at national level, Ramp For Champs Mumbai edition had a robust line-up of 50 participating achievers and personalities from all walks of life. A number of responsible corporate had also joined the event to celebrate the very best of fashion and creative talent along with supporting a noble cause.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Neeraj Agarwal, Executive Director, Corporate Communication, LIC India said, “How we care for our children, protect their welfare and give them at least a fighting chance for a brighter, fulfilling future reflects our attitude to society. This event is a bridge to their aspirations and our willingness to support their cause. We appreciate Smile Foundation’s service in bringing dignity, in a holistic way, in the lives of innocent children and communities.”
32 Bollywood walks the ramp for Girl Child EducationThe event started with a very special performance by singers Abhiruchi Singh who has dedicated a song “Udd Chali” to Smile Foundation’s girl child empowerment initiative. Ace singer Divya Kumar and choreographer-actor Ganesh Acharya also performed during the event captivating the crowd with their mesmerising performances.
Huma Qureshi who was the face of this initiative walked as the event Show Stopper. Speaking about this association Ms.Huma Qureshi said, “I am extremely delighted to associate with Smile Foundation to support the cause of girl child education. Ramp for Champs is a wonderful opportunity for individuals like us to come forward and sensitize more people to be the change they wish to see in the world .66 million girls in India are waiting to be in school ,this event is a humble step towards spreading smiles amongst a few of them . We come from a world of glamour wherein being beautiful is extremely important. However, a platform like Ramp for Champs makes us more responsible and purposeful which all together makes us more beautiful humans”.
Star designers Archana Kochhar and Preety’s Designer Hut extended their support to the cause by showcasing their special collections not with the models but with their muses who were their celebrities and high profile clients.
Ace-Couturier Archana Kochhar who is also the Goodwill Ambassador for Girl Child Education with Smile Foundation has great fellowship for fashion and is feasting her clients through three operational prêt stores in Mumbai. Born in fashion hub of India, Mumbai Archana Kochhar has diverse proficiency for designing and creating excellent outfits. Her muses for the show had eminent personalities from all fields like acting, singing, chefs, working woman to homemakers. Her power list consisted of Huma Qureshi , Krishika Lulla ,Urvashi Sharma walked with her two beautiful daughters Parinishta and Samaira , Dimple Nahar , Shobha Lakhani, Ragini Khanna, Manara Handa,Rashmi Desai, Nazneen Patel, Surbhi Jyoti,Aishwarya Sakhuja,Nataliya Kozhenova ,Teejay Sidhu ,Tia Bajpai, Ekta Kaul ,Harshali Zine,Poornima , Bhoomi Trivedi , Rajneesh Duggal , 4 Times Michelin Starred Chef Vikas Khanna , Mukesh Chabbra , Rahul Roy, Karan Tacker, Karanvir Bohra, Ameet Sareen, Divya Kumar, Gaurav Sethi and Sahil Anand.
Preety’s Designhut, what started as a humble small scale business venture, has today gradually evolved into an emerging empire of traditional attire. Preety’s collection is inspired from the 51 Bollywood walks the ramp for Girl Child EducationMother Earth “Bhoomi” – she is a perfect blend of heart and soul, at the birth of a child a mother is borne, she with enchanting confidence and lives her life surrounded by abundance and compassion. Her muses for this event were Tapsee Pannu , VJ Andy , Bhumi Chawda , Anjali Ahuja, Tina Chopra, Charmi shah , Chahat Khanna, Chanchal Jain , Kavita Paudwal, Rinku Dudani , Shibani Kashyap , Jharna savla ,Bobby khan with wife, Tina Dutta , Simple Kaur , Shraddha , Evelyn sharma and Mahaakshay Chakraborty who are the lead pair for the upcoming filmIshqedarriyaan .
The event was successfully supported by various partners. This Ramp For Champs was presented by LIC of India. Other valuable partners were Nerolac, Colors, Big Brother Foundation, Copperstone, The Renaissance Hotel, Truefitt & Hills, Proton Communications, Chandrakala Sanap, Gaurav Sethi Photographer, Stardust Magazine and Moryaas Multimedia Pvt. Ltd.
Addressing on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation said, “Through Ramp of Champs we are aiming to bring trend-setters and celebrities together to bring some real and permanent change in the lives of the most deserving children. Education is the most effective tool that can help less privileged children, particularly girl children, come out of the vicious cycle of poverty and suffering, and transform into an empowered next generation.” He further added, “The privileged section of the society has to come forward and take proactive role in the process of development. We feel encouraged with the support and response towards the cause through Ramp for Champs in Mumbai and I thank all the responsible corporate, designers, celebrities and the guest who made this initiative a great success.”