Scottsdale, Ariz.—(Oct. 5, 2006)  St. John and Saks Fifth Avenue teamed up on Wednesday to raise support for Childhelp, a national non-profit dedicated to serving abused children across the country. The bistro breakfast included a St. John fall fashion show and drew more than 100 high-profile guests to what was also billed as a kick-off to the annual Childhelp “Drive the Dream” Gala in January 2007. The event was also sponsored by AZ Society, a special publication of the Arizona Republic and media sponsor for the upcoming 2007 gala.

Moreover, Wednesday’s breakfast in Phoenix precedes the St. John national “Focus Day” on Saturday, Oct. 7, when a percentage of all St. John sales at select department stores and boutiques will be donated to Childhelp. Participating department stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Marshall Fields/Macys, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Belk, as well as all St. John Boutiques. For more information, visit www.stjohnknits.com.

“This is a special and exciting time for Childhelp, when so many of our cherished supporters are rallying together on behalf of the hurting children in need of our love and care,” said Sara O’Meara, who co-founded Childhelp along with Yvonne Fedderson. Both women are 2005 and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize nominees. “We are so grateful for their commitment and generosity, which helps strengthen our mission to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children.”

The Childhelp “Drive the Dream Gala” will take place on Saturday, Jan. 13, inside the main tent at the internationally famous Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. The fundraiser, to be held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will include fine dining, a concert performance and dancing, and live auction. For more information, call: 480-922-8212