'Passion for Fashion': Pennies for the Homeless show benefits NM Veterans Integration Centers, Cuidando Los Niños

It was time for a change of venue.

After 15 years at Hotel Albuquerque, the annual Pennies for the Homeless fashion show has a new home and a revised vision.

“We’re targeting two local organizations that we will donate the proceeds to,” said Jennifer Bean, Pennies for the Homeless interim executive director. “We will also have the event at the Animante de Rondeña for the first time. It’s a beautiful space that will lend itself well to the fashion show.”

'Passion for Fashion': Pennies for the Homeless show benefits NM Veterans Integration Centers, Cuidando Los Niños

This year’s event, themed “Passion for Fashion,” will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10.

The event will feature a fashion show with designs by Arizona-based Ruby Farias who incorporates art and design in her pieces.

“I create custom pieces of clothing for those who want to stand out in the crowd, are bold and want something especially made for them,” Farias said. “I believe it’s important to give back to the community and have given my time and talent to a number of non-profit organizations.”

The Pennies for the Homeless organization was started in 1993 by Joseph Saavedra and Diane dal Santo, a former District Court judge, and the board of directors continues the pair’s legacy.

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

Bean said the proceeds from this year’s event will go to New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers and Cuidando Los Niños.

She said the NMVIC is an organization that provides services including multiple housing assistance options, peer support, food and nutrition and case management services to veterans, their families and the community.

The organization serves at-risk homeless veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, Cuidando Los Niños works to break the cycle of homelessness for children and families.

The organization provides high-quality early childhood education, supportive housing, parent education and advocacy alongside the families.

Bean said being able to bring a fashion flair to a fundraising event has always been a hit.

There will be local models, as well as those from New York and Los Angeles.

Over the course of its three decades, Pennies for the Homeless carved out its own path in helping with the unhoused.

In 2023, Bernalillo County played a role in getting the Tiny Home Village up and running.

The transitional housing program provides services designed to assist clients to achieve success 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.

“We continue to do this because the work makes a difference in the community,” Bean said. “The board is committed to keeping this event going strong.”

Bean said teaming up with Animate de Rondeña and owner John Calvin has been a dream come true for the organization.

Animante de Rondeña opened earlier this year, and Calvin jumped at the chance to donate the space.

“We at Animante de Rondeña are pleased and proud to be chosen to host the wonderful Pennies for the Homeless Albuquerque event this autumn,” Calvin said. “During the last 30 years of our being, we continue to do what we can to support our communities’ worthy causes to lend a hand where needed by our fellow Americans. Our city, and all of New Mexico, have been very good to us at Casa Rondeña. In gratitude, we walk and work, to help make our ‘Enchanted Land’ even better than it already is.”