Fashion For A Cause

Joy Venturini Bianchi (Story & Video)

Joy is just the coolest, chicest philanthropist I’ve ever met. This 78-year-old force of nature fashionista, with her trademark, oversized glasses, is known for attracting famous fashion designers, celebrities and community leaders to a cause unlikely to make headlines. For over 63 years, she has been raising awareness and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With her latest project, Helpers House of Couture, Joy has translated her love of fashion into a truly charitable operation -- receiving clothing donations from around the world and using the proceeds to help support the cause. Joy says that fashion is merely a vehicle Helpers uses to bring attention to the inner beauty of these special souls. This fireball humanitarian makes philanthropy chic, and brings joy to everyone she meets.

Photo, Helpers. 7x7; Video excerpt. Jamie Lai / Mode; Photo, Joy Bianchi. guestofaguest.com;

UNSUNG HERoes

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Est. 1988

Christmas in Action. Joe B. Wiles / Vance Air Force Base; Iris Stevenson & the Crenshaw High School Choir. Twitter: petesouza4; Joy Bianchi. Leilani Marie Labong _ 7x7; Charles Strobel. George Walker IV / The Tennessaen; Montgomery Lee Photography / Angel Heart Farm Blog;

W Mitchell. wmitchell.com; Thistle Farms. Lindsey Freitas / Nourishing the Planet; Farmers Occupy the Mall 1979. Jo Freeman / jofreeman.com

Fashion For A Cause