‘Walk on the Wild Side’ Vista Hill’s 21st annual luncheon and fashion show, presented on April 26 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, was themed “Walk on the Wild Side” — with guests encouraged to attend in wild animal attire. Fashionistas, creating a flurry of shopping, arrived before the program was started by former KGTV Channel 10 anchor Carol LeBeau. Produced and directed by Gretchen Productions, the fashion show featured animal prints from Maggie B and the standout lambskin collection from Deborah Moser Designs on the runway. The sizzling ABBL swimwear was accented with Juelerie, and one model came down the runway sporting a live albino boa constrictor. Guest artist Jordan Art Couture delighted the audience with two segments in the show, “Walk on the Wild Side” and “Whispered in the Wind,” for which it created garments featuring hand-painted animals to raise awareness for endangered wildlife. The proceeds for the charity event benefited Vista Hill, which has been providing mental health, educational and social services since 1957 (www.vistahill.org). ‘A Salute to Broadway’ Gold Diggers (Gifts of Loving Donors) presented the 19th annual Hats Off to San Diego on May 3 at the Prado in Balboa Park. Colleen Stein was awarded Gold Digger of the Year 2012 for her contribution to the organization. Special awards of $5,000 each were given to nonprofits Elder Help and San Diego Junior Theater. The knockout entertainment during the luncheon was “A Salute to Broadway,” choreographed by Vernetta’s Dance Studio. This year, 11 San Diego nonprofits modeled in the Betty Mabee Parade of Hats. Each hat was designed in keeping with the theme, “Salute to Broadway.” The audience voted for the best hat, with Classic4kids taking first place ($2,000), Angels of Aseltine Auxiliary taking second ($1,000) and Young Audience of San Diego coming in third ($750). The Gold Diggers have given more than $400,000 in grants to local causes, helping those with special needs, including children, the elderly, crime victims and others (www.golddiggersandiego.org). ‘Inside Fashion. Outside the Lens.’ Guests at “Inside Fashion. Outside the Lens.,” presented by La Jolla’s Laura Gambucci Boutique on May 10 arrived for an evening of fashion and photography, with entertainment provided by DJ Grandmasta Rats. Nonprofit Outside the Lens, a program that teaches literacy through arts, encourages at-risk children to express themselves using cameras and digital media. The program’s youth council consists of 50 high school students who visit locations like Becky’s House and the Monarch School, working with the youth to develop photography skills. Members of the youth council, including president Skylar Economy, were on hand to talk about the program, and the work of the students was on display, demonstrating their photography skills and the stories they are able to tell with them. Guests enjoyed shopping in Gambucci’s elegant boutique, with all proceeds going to support the photography program. Summer camps at Outside the Lens are opening soon for youth in grades 3-12. A one-day photo and video boot camp for teens or adults will also be available. Outside the Lens holds classes at the La Jolla Historic Society and The Gillispie School. For more information, visit www.outsidethelens.org.

Upcoming Events • May 25 — Cocktail and Couture, 6 p.m., Westgate Hotel, features celebrity fashion designer Lizz Russell, (619) 557-3655 • May 25 — IT Awards presented by The Art Institute of California, San Diego, Mission Bay Hyatt, fashion show featuring student designers, (858) 598-1333 • May 26 — Fashion show for the San Diego chapter of the National Charity League, Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, presented by Gretchen Productions, (858) 459-1685 • June 10 — A Trend Show, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Westfield Horton Plaza, features more than 75 designers, raffle, live fashion shoot and DJ, presented by The Fashion Group International, www.atrendshow.com • June 8 — Second Hand Rose Celebrates “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” 10:30 a.m., Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North, luncheon and fashion show presented by Angels of Aseltine Auxiliary, for tickets call Charlotte Roberts at (619) 294-4466 — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. She is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, The American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International.