Montclair-based designer Azie Shelhorse of {verdigreen} on Glenridge Avenue, has been invited for the second year in a row to design a vignette for the 14th Annual Design on a Dime Benefit for Housing Works (DOAD). The event brings together designers who donate their time and expertise to benefit the work and programs of Housing Works.

According to the Housing Works website, “Housing Works fights for funding and legislation to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality housing, healthcare, HIV prevention, and treatment, among other lifesaving services.” The proceeds of the DOAD event, which total over 1 million dollars a year, go towards services for those affected by HIV and homelessness. Every year, DOAD selects 50-60 designers to donate their time and talent to create 10×12 foot “vignettes,” or rooms full of donated furnishings and home goods. Event guests purchase tickets to attend DOAD and “shop for a cause” at 50-80% off retail value. It’s an energetic and exciting museum-like party with flowing drinks, a DJ, and inspiring designs.

Last year, George Oliphant (of George to the Rescue) asked Azie Shelhorse to design his vignette. Her theme was “We Are All Immigrants,” a nod to the political climate. 80% of her donations were fair trade and internationally handmade. This year Ms. Shelhorse was invited to design her own space, and her theme, “Alchemical Romance,” is an exploration of the transformation that takes place when you love yourself and the beauty that radiates from within.

Each vignette’s total value should be at least $30k, and to achieve this goal Azie reached out to local connections for donations. The generous response was heart-warming and overwhelming. Local shops Swoon, Sweet Home Montclair, and Modclair graciously offered their own merchandise. Hardware designer Jess Davis in South Orange, and the talent behind Nest Studios, donated high-end hardware. Two talented local artists, Paddy Cohn of Montclair and Lisa Palombo of Caldwell, generously donated large bespoke paintings. Suzi Dia, of Montclair’s The Pillow Studio, donated a slew of beautiful, luxury pillows. Artist Marie St. Victor created a custom beaded chandelier to top off the mood of the vignette. Azie is grateful for the generosity of her fellow local small businesses and artisans to help raise money for such a worthy cause.

To see the vignette in person, purchase tickets to tonight’s event at the Metropolitan Pavilion on West 18th Street, NYC, or attend the public sale days tomorrow and Saturday. For photos of the event, follow Azie’s posts on Instagram: @verdigreenhome.