Fashion and a cause: Pennies for the Homeless hosts its annual event on Nov. 5

A penny goes a long way.

Especially when collected, each one can make a difference.

This is exactly why the Albuquerque-based nonprofit Pennies for the Homeless has put on its signature event — High Tea and Fashion Show Extravaganza.

This year’s event — which is marking its 22nd iteration — will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Hotel Albuquerque.

The event will feature a fashion show with designs by Galina Mihaleva, who is an artist and wearable technology designer.

“The whole idea of Pennies for the Homeless started in 1993 when Albuquerque Public School students would take home milk cartons and fill them with pennies,” said Jennifer Bean, Pennies for the Homeless acting executive director. “It was a way to get youngsters involved in their community. It is also a way to help make a difference within the homeless community in Albuquerque.”

The organization was started by Joseph Saavedra and Diane dal Santo, a former District Court judge, and the board of directors continue the pair’s legacy.

Proceeds from the event go to Albuquerque-based organizations who help the homeless.

“We have several vetted organizations that we support with the proceeds,” Bean said. “We often say that every little bit helps. This is a true statement as all the organizations are happy to get any help that we can give them.”

Some of the organizations impacted by the donations are Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Joy Junction, Barrett House, St Martin’s Hospitality Center, New Day Youth and Family Services, Storehouse New Mexico, Haven of Love Rescue Mission, Steelbridge Ministries, APS Title I Homeless Project, Shelter and Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) House, and NoonDay Ministries.

Mihaleva’s artistic practice and academic research deals primarily with the dialogue between body and dress, driven by the idea of having both a physical and a psychological relationship with a garment as responsive clothing — wearable technology as the body second skin, wearable technology in performance art, and sustainability and new materials for better future.

She’s shown collections at the Cannes Film Festival, Tiffany’s Paris Fashion Week, World of Wearable Art: WOW in New Zealand, among many others.

“She’s pretty spectacular,” Bean said of Mihaleva’s designs. “She makes her own fabric and not only designs for function, but to also grab your attention.”

Bean says the fashion show will have professional models from New York and Los Angeles. This year, the fashion show also looked for local models to walk the runway.

“Since this is a community event, we wanted to have some New Mexicans walk the runway,” Bean said.

The event will also honor Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca for her work with the community.

The county played an important role in getting the Tiny Home Village up and running.

It’s a transitional housing program that provides services designed to assist clients to achieve success in and satisfaction with community living and propel them into a more stable and sustainable living situation.

Pennies for the Homeless donated the shade awning to the community, as well as a bench to honor the work of Saavedra and dal Santo.

“It’s a community effort,” Bean says. “We all have our place in helping curb homelessness in our community. This is a fun way to help out.”