Guests were inspired by great beauty, art, and cause

Local broker Allison Werner of Couture Real Estate and Sarasota artist Alexis Fraser aka “Lipstick Lex,” who was recently featured on “Good Morning America” for her portrait collection made of lipstick kisses, teamed up to host an open house event to raise awareness about the Streets of Paradise, a local nonprofit. Held at a midcentury modern showcase home on St. Armands that is currently listed with Couture Real Estate, Lipstick Lex – whose art has been used to stage the home – met with guests and spoke about her art and process. Greg Cruz, founder, Cathy Bryant, donor relations director and volunteer Devon Oppenheimer from Streets of Paradise talked to guests about the mission and vision of the organization.

Broker Allison Werner saw an opportunity to help raise awareness about Streets of Paradise, an organization that uses donated furniture and household goods to provide a warm, comfortable space for re-homed individuals and families.

“To me it has always been about home,” said Werner who opened Couture Real Estate earlier this year. “It made sense to host an event for the Streets of Paradise with Lipstick Lex since both provide comfort and beauty – the most important component of making a house a home.”

Among the stars of the day were the house itself, a three-level modern with a rooftop deck, and spectacular panoramic water and city views. Visitors were greeted with tangerine spritzers before taking the staircase along a wall of glass overlooking the pool; the only thing that rivaled the views was the art adorning the walls provided by Lipstick Lex.

“Streets of Paradise is all about community,” said Bryant. “Everyone who helped today offered their personal gifts, passion and talents to help the people we serve. Collaboration is the only way to succeed and we are grateful.”

In addition to raising awareness of the cause she champions, Werner has made it her mission to raise or donate funds to help the non-profit purchase a moving truck, saving them over $400 for every day they move furniture for their cause.
“It is my goal to help this innovative organization get their truck by the end of the year,” says Werner, “and we are well on our way.”

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