SALT LAKE CITY — Just days after a fire tore through four downtown Salt Lake businesses, leaving hundreds of employees without work, the third annual Main Street Fashion Show at the Eccles Theater on Friday became more than just a night of style — it became a fundraiser for recovery.
Alleyways Amplified partnered with the Downtown Alliance’s Employee Assistance Fund to support employees and business owners left without work. The event was free and open to the public, but QR codes on programs and throughout the venue gave guests a chance to donate directly.
“We felt that it was the least we could do, being part of this community on Main Street, to do something to support the affected workers,” said event organizer Seth Brown.
Frank and Kaitlin Paulraj, owners of London Belle, spoke at the event, saying the support means everything as they work to rebuild.
“I shouldn’t be smiling, but I’m smiling that the community has come together,” Frank said. “It just leaves me speechless.”
“We knew that there was heart and love in this community, but we didn’t understand just how grand it was,” Kaitlin added. “It’s something that we can’t even put into words.”
Tonight’s runway featured six designers — including one from Colombia and three local designers — plus live music.
“It’s just a really beautiful fact how much creativity there is here in Salt Lake,” said Vishwa Srinivasan, founder of Alleyways Amplified. “I hope that people see that there is still life on Main St. and that this is a vibrant and resilient street.”
If you’d like to help employees affected by the fire, visit the Downtown Alliance Employee Assistance Fund.
