By Suzanne Rogers
“And” may be the most hopeful word in the English language. My life has, and continues to be, a world of “and.” As a first-generation Canadian of Hungarian descent, I was born in Elliot Lake, Ontario where my father worked in the mines and, growing up in London, Ontario, I worked part-time as a waitress at Kelsey’s while attending Western University , from which I graduated with my political science degree. I also had a summer job as a housekeeper and children’s camp counsellor at Clevelands House Resort in Muskoka. I wore a dress from a vintage shop to my first formal dance with Edward, who became my husband. And, yes, I am a fashion enthusiast and have been one since early childhood. I use my love of fashion to shape my philanthropic projects and to give back. For me, the positive message in fashion embodies how I approach my work for children’s charities: with joy and love.
As part of the Rogers family, I knew I wanted to accomplish my own things. I started slowly by volunteering at SickKids Hospital, reading books to the children. Taking small steps, I gradually became involved in larger fundraising projects such as chairing a $10-million campaign for Covenant House called “Just Like a Girl You Know” to support a broadranging anti-sex-trafficking program. Other endeavours included Scrubs, a fundraising program from SickKids Hospital; Boost, which supports victims of child abuse; and the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA). My support continues, and is not limited to The Darling Home for Kids, and Campfire Circle, supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. To help young Canadian designers in a tough industry, Edward and I have funded The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University ). There is so much talent here that deserves the chance to flourish internationally.
In 2010, I started Suzanne Rogers Presents, which has raised nearly $4 million (net) for a variety of children’s charities in the areas of healthcare, education, and combating poverty . For the inaugural event, I invited the late Oscar de la Renta to present the runway show. I was a client of his and was thrilled when he accepted right away. Oscar had never done a fashion show in Canada before and, as they are for me, children’s causes were very close to his heart. The nearly $1 million raised from that first event went to HealthyKids International and Casa Del Nino, a children’s charity in the Dominican Republic started by Oscar. Th e event sold out and was a smash hit. Since that first gala, Suzanne Rogers Presents has partnered with Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Zac Posen, Diane von Furstenberg, and Victoria Beckham. People get excited to experience these glamorous events and they generate meaningful amounts of funds and publicity to help children’s organizations.
Each gala takes at least a year of preparation because I want to do everything I can to capture the essence of the person and their brand in the invitations, the room decor, the flowers, the menu. I am hands-on because I want the designer to walk into the room and feel completely at home and to enjoy themselves. I believe in the personal touch and in positive vibes. Fashion is positive. We laugh, we cry, and we raise money. I’m often asked how I choose the charities. The short answer is the feeling of connection with the cause. I also read the proposal and do my own research, and if it pulls the strings in my heart, I get involved and become quite devoted. When we pull together, we can do more. Giving back really does give you so much more in return.