Project Helping Hand, a new organization created to give everyone in the area an opportunity to participate in outreach programs, organized an evening at the Middleburg Community Center to honor Wendy Pepper, one of the stars of Bravo Network's Project Runway and make a contribution to Tsunami Relief.

Delectable desserts, wine, coffee, a live auction of Wendy's designs, a silent auction of excellent items and moving remarks by John P. Howe III, president and CEO of Project Hope made the evening a smashing success.

By the conclusion of the festivities, that success was even more evident when it was clear that $30,000 had been raised for the Tsunami Relief effort.

"We could not have accomplished this without the help of everyone in the community," said Dee Dee Hubbard, co-chair of the event. "We did not have to spend one dollar on food or decorations or organization because everything was donated. So every dollar raised will go to Project Hope for the relief effort."

During the evening, the most recent episode of Project Runway was aired for the standing-room-only audience to view, and everyone cheered when Wendy won the weekly challenge and became one of the final three designers in the competition.

Cathy Magee, Manager of Books and Crannies, noted that the handprint decorations in the Community Center that evening were the contribution of local school students.

"We wanted to get the kids involved and make them feel they are part of the project," said Magee. The children's donations, along with several of Wendy Pepper's original designs, decorated the room and everyone agreed with Wendy when she said, "I am so inspired by the turnout for this event!"