We receive a lot (I mean, a LOT) of press releases about various organizations raising money for charities. All are worthy and deserve kudos for their efforts. Unfortunately, though, we don’t always have the space to recognize everyone.

This being our style blog, however, I wanted to give a quick shout to the Armenian Jewelers Association in Los Angeles for a fresh and fashion-oriented take on their annual event. The group raised more than $100,000 with a runway show held during their black-tie gala last month.

I attended the AJA’s annual black-tie gala several times in the past, and am very sorry to have missed this year’s whole new fashion take on the event. Ten Armenian designers—Giantto, Haytayan, Varna Platinum, Kirk Kara, Von Dutch, Luxuriator, Simon G, Siera, Media Imports and Oro Diamante—participated in the runway show, and several celebrities, including Bai Ling and Blu Cantrell, attended.

So, congrats, AJA members, not only for success in what sounds like a fun event, but for understanding and utilizing the fashion connection and, especially, for making charity an important part of it all.

JCK