September 19th, 2011 
Photo Credit: Steven Forster/The Times-Picayune
In life when Al Copeland threw a party, people in the city would line their cars up along his street just for a chance to drive by and look at the decorations. The third annual Hi Speed Fashion show, a charity benefit party living up to his honor, did not disappoint to fulfill his generous legacy.
The fashion on the guests ranged from whimsical to structured and everything on the models was haute! Saks Fifth Avenue was on hand to do the styling and MAC Cosmetics provided make-up. H20 Salon and Spa created hair with a trendy feel that strutted class down the runway.
The event turned out over 300 guests and with all ticket sales going to benefit the Al Copeland Foundation and cancer research it was impossible to look around and not believe that we must be one step closer to a cure. When a man with a monumental personality dies of something as rare and aggressive as Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) there is no way that the community where he became an icon wouldn’t respond with an outpouring of support. And outpour support they did.
The silent auction alone garnered close to $10,000! The donations for the auction included everything from spa packages, unique pearl necklaces and even a package trip to the 2012 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Naturally, since this is New Orleans, there was plenty of art to bid on as well. Original oil paintings with a starting bid of $5 to classic scenery that had a top bid of $1,000 by the time the cat walk lit up.
Photo Credit: neworleanslocal.com
Vendors poured up glasses of Skinny Girl wines and mixers as well as the new Crown Royal Black. Supporters enjoyed delicately assembled hors d’oeuvres and fun music in the hours leading up to the main stage show. Hi Speed Fashion 2011 is hereby proclaimed a hit!
To learn more about Merkel Cell Carcinoma or make a donation to cancer research please visit the Al Copeland Foundation’s official site. To date, the Copeland Foundation has donated more than $700,000 to find cures and develop treatments for individuals and their families suffering from cancer.
