Annual Strut for Sobriety! fashion show presented by A New PATH

SAN DIEGO – Sobriety can be swanky.

The 21st Annual Strut for Sobriety!, which was held on Sept. 6 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, proved it.

The luncheon and fashion show was presented by A New PATH (which stands for Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing). The event began with boutique shopping and live music by Ricardo Rosales. Local businesses and designers set up booths, giving guests plenty of shopping options.

Rap artist Pierre Alexander provided entertainment as the guests arrived. The event was co-chaired by Liz Crocker and Judy Lawton, with NBC7’s Monica Dean and TV personality Geni Cavitt serving as emcees. Together, they announced the 2025 PATH to Recovery honorees:

• Ted Perkins, a former Warner Bros. and Universal executive who now uses Hollywood movies to facilitate discussions about addiction and recovery;
• Dr. Laura Rossi, a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist who focuses on opioid treatment programs; and
• Charles Rodriguez, who is researching opioid use, misuse, and overdose risk among Southern California American Indian communities.

This year’s honorary chair was Vicki Eddy, an award-winning advertising and marketing communications professional.

Auctioneer Erin Liddell energized the crowd with exciting items, including a five-night stay in a penthouse condo in Crested Butte.

Last year, Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed Sept. 21, 2024, to be “Gretchen Burns Bergman Day,” after A New PATH’s co-founder and executive director.

The fashion show was choreographed and coordinated by Bergman. Guests enjoyed a mix of singing, dancing, and even roller skating. One special segment featured guest models in recovery proudly walking the runway. The fashions showcased included looks from Macy’s, UTC, and local boutiques.

Strut for Sobriety! coincides with National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The event benefits programs of A New PATH, including overdose prevention and naloxone training and distribution. For more information, visit anewpath.org.

Upcoming events

Thursday, Sept. 11 – The Art of Fashion Runway and Luncheon at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Fashions are from South Coast Plaza.  For tickets, visit thecountryfriends.org or call (858) 756-1192.

Thursday, Sept. 11 – Fourth Annual Sycuan Fashion Show at 6 p.m., a 21-plus event at Sycuan Casino and Resort that features Indigenous talent. Tickets can be purchased here.

Friday, Sept. 19 – Exxotica, Art & Fashion Show presented by Frances Taylor. The 21-plus event will be at the Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter from 7-10 p.m. Burlesque performance by Ruby Diamond. Tickets can be found here.

Sunday, Sept. 21 – Grand opening of Lena Trotsko Atelier & Boutique at 7703 Fay Ave, La Jolla, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27 – Fourth Annual Sparkles Foundation Children’s Benefit Fashion Show at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan. Tickets can be purchased here.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at www.dianacavagnaro.com.