Ready, Set, SHOP! Joan Shepp, Philadelphia’s premiere concept store for men and women’s fashion, will be hosting a fundraising event for JDRF on Wednesday, March 28th! Don’t miss out on scoring the latest fashion AND supporting JDRF. 10% of the entire days sales will go to JDRF. Experience the fashion creations of Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, as his exquisite work will be showcased at the event.

We talked with Ellen Weisburg, a JDRF Philadelphia Gala Committee Member and longtime JDRF volunteer and supporter, who put this event in motion and Joan Shepp and Ellen Shepp of the Joan Shepp boutique about the event.

Ellen, how did you become involved with JDRF?
Ellen Weisburg: I am a Type 1 Diabetic and Psychologist. Prior to my retirement a few years ago, my treatment specialty was eating disorders including diabetic eating disordered patients. I wanted to get involved in JDRF and support efforts for a cure! I had conversations with Tuesday, the manager at Joan Shepp. Tuesday is a remarkable woman who is very devoted to important causes and the community, she introduced me to Lynne Kirshner who is a board member of JDRF. I subsequently served on the Gala Committee and have been a Bronze Sponsor for several years.

How did the idea of a Joan Shepp fundraising event to benefit JDRF come about?
EW: The entire staff at Joan Shepp knows that I am a type 1 diabetic, they have always been amazing and when my blood sugar crashes, someone finds me something delicious to treat the “lows”. Needless to say, Joan Shepp is a very special place. When I asked Joan and Ellen if they wound be interested in having a fundraising event for JDRF, their response was immediate and positive…and here we are.

Joan and Ellen Shepp, what were your thoughts when Ellen Weisburg approached you to be involved in a JDRF fundraiser?
Joan Shepp and Ellen Shepp: We didn’t think twice! So happy to support JDRF and so thrilled to collaborate with Ellen:)

Ellen, what makes you most excited about this fundraising event?
EW: What makes me excited about about this event is that it is taking place at Joan Shepp, which is by far my favorite place to shop. I describe it as a place to find “Art to Wear”. Joan and Ellen know that the designer, Issey Miyake is one of my favorites. They worked their magic in Paris and New York and Issey Miyake staff will be bringing their new collection and there will be fashion show with champagne, wine and delicacies. Please join us for an amazing event.

Joan and Ellen, how did you select designer, Issay Miyake, fashion’s to be a part of this event?
J&E: Issey Miyake is one of our favorite designers, brilliantly creative and architectural. It is also one of Ellen’s favorite collections!

What are the most exciting aspects of hosting a fundraising event like this one?
J&E: We love to bring all kinds of women together as well as raising money for so many meaningful and important organizations.

Is there anything else you would like to share on this event?
J&E: We look forward to having everyone to our “home” and meeting so many women who feel as strongly about making a change as we do!