Morelia Cuevas’ ‘Rhinestone Cure’ brings Diabetes awareness as only the daughter of Manuel could
October 6, 5:42 PMNashville Entertainment Examiner
Jonathan PinkertonPrevious1 comment
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Rhinestone Cure kick off party tonight at Suzy Wong’s
Suzy Wong’s House of YUM, the new Church Street eatery, and latest brainchild of executive chef Arnold Myint will be Nashville’s social destination tonight beginning at 7pm, as Myint along with everyone’s favorite society girl, Elizabeth Scokin co-host an event celebrating Morelia Cuevas and her recently formed Rhinestone Cure Foundation benefitting Diabetes. Morelia was diagnosed as having Type 2 Diabetes five years ago.
Earlier today, I caught up with my friends Morelia, co-hosts Myint and Scokin and Rhinestone Cure’s VP,Lynda Evjen as they prepared for tonight’s celebration. While Rhinestone Cure had its official introduction last year as Morelia celebrated her birthday by way of a fundraiser for the foundation, tonight marks a more widespread introduction of her cause. “This party is actually the official debut of the foundation, as we’ve recently received our 501C3 certification,” said Morelia.
I’ve know Morelia for years, and this is something she’s been talking about doing for quite some time. Given the fact that Morelia is the daughter of Manuel, the famed tailor the the stars who has outfitted such legendary performers as Porter Waggoner, Linda Ronstadt, Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, Little Richard on through to The Killers, Jack White and even Bobby Brown, it’s only fitting that her foundation be named Rhinestone Cure, and boast a tagline, “Shine, Sparkle, Survive: Living Life With Diabetes.”
Tonight’s event won’t be just any event. If you know Morelia, that’s a given. She brings light and life with her wherever she goes. That said, I was curious what attendees could expect tonight. “We’ll have a candy cigarette girl milling about, as well as a tarot reader,” admitted Morelia. With Suzy Wong’s being adjacent to two of Nashville’s most popular night spots, Tribe and Play, you can also expect great music. To that end, DJ Ron will be perched high above the crowd in the DJ booth, providing the soundtrack for the evening. An event involving Morelia wouldn’t be the same without celebs. While the guest list has been kept secret, I did find out that a certain former WWE beauty turned country singer is scheduled to attend. “Arnold has also prepared a specialty cocktail for the event. ”Not sure what all is in it, but he did mention it contains Bombay Saffire,” said Morelia. WIth Morelia andArnold involved, you’d that that would be enough to secure a fabulous party, add Elizabeth Scokin, owner of Elizabeth Scokin Productions, one of Nashville’s hottest luxury event planning services and there’s no stopping them. Of her involvement in tonight’s Rhinestone Cure, Elizabeth shared, “Morelia was my children’s nanny and is considered a member of my family, so I was more than happy to fit this event into my schedule.”
“Elizabeth is co-hosting and has helped secure so great silent auction items that will be on hand,” revealed Morelia. Among the auction items:, a Private Mini-concert with Larry Weiss, best know for his smash hit, Rhinestone Cowboy, one lucky winner will get to hang out with two of their friends and Morelia, as she treats them to dinner and drinks at one of Nashville’s most exclusive night spots. There is also a chance to bid on a three hour session in a Music City recording studio. Another one of a kind item includes a dinner for 6 prepared and hosted by Manuel at his famedManuel’s Mountain home just west of Nashville. Morelia and Elizabeth even secured a Jonas Brothers auction item, an autographed surf board.
Another great items with a decidedly Elizabeth Scokin touch include one of her beautiful Haute Hostess Aprons. That’s right, next time you have friends over for a smart dinner party, no need to worry about dressing down your designer duds to serve dinner. Elizabeth’s beautifully crafted aprons bring an air of sophistication to the prerequisite kitchen attire not seen since June Cleaver’s pearls.
While Elizabeth’s aprons run a close second, my personal favorite items have a slightly naughtier slant. Up for bid is a Manuel panty design party, where you and a group of friend will be given private instruction on designing your own pair of Manuel signature boyshorts. After you’ve designed them, Morelia and Manuel will embroider and festoon them with their trademark rhinestones.
Also up for bid are a dozen or so pairs of boyshorts designed by some of Nashville’s most well-known social butterflies. ”I came up with the idea one morning of fashionistas rhinestoning panties for the auction…a unique idea, a little risque, but in keeping with the theme~it kept it clean with all of us designing on black cotton boy shorts and a ladies only project,” explained Elizabeth. She continued, “So I got on the phone and called my gorgeous friends. They squealed with delight! They all thought it sounded like so much fun…and it was. The undies I designed are called FANCYPANTS, because that is my nickname. I already have 2 call in bidders…Fun, huh?”
Of his less risque involvement in tonight’s event, co-host Arnold Myint said, “Diabetes has affected the lives of people close to me and I’m glad that this foundation has been formed. As a society, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and promote the education of such causes.” On the subject of turing a serious issue into an enjoyable event, Arnold explained, “Though it is important to address the seriousness of such illnesses, at times it is equally as important to celebrate those living with the illness and come together to have fun. Rhinestone Cure all the way, baby!”
Morelia is quick to point out none of this would be possible without the unending support of herRhinestone Cure VP and co-founder, Lynda Evjen. “Morelia was very serious about wanting people to understand that you can live your life with diabetes. Some things just have to take priority but it does not mean that life stops. I felt that this is a very good message since this disease is so rampant and crosses all generations and cultures. Lots of people have passions, but Morelia and I are doers. If we say we want it done, then it is done. She has such a creative mind and true love of life that it has been a pleasure to help her make this passion a reality,” confided Lynda.
I have often heard Morelia refer to Lynda as her mentor, an honor Lynda does not take lightly. When asked about the particulars of her duties as VP of Rhinestone Cure, Lynda elaborated, “I do see my role as her mentor and as her partner and I appreciate the opportunity to bring this foundation into a thriving organization. My business acumen provides expertise in making the foundation survive.”
Of the purpose of tonight’s event, Lynda mirrored Morelia’s goal when she said, “I hope that the attendees will see Morelia’s passion and learn the exciting things being done to help research and education for diabetes. We hope that all attendees will want to participate in the upcoming telethon so that we can give more for education, advocacy and research.”
Tonight’s event is just the beginning for Rhinestone Cure. Their newly launched website will soon feature even more amazing auction items, information on upcoming events, including the pending May 2010 telethon. To make donations to Rhinestone Cure, visit rhinestonecure.org and click on the Paypal link.
Immediate plans for Rhinestone Cure include the formation of a steering committee. To that end, there will be two separate events in the coming months. “We are in the planing stages of hosting both a Gentlemen’s Party and a Women’s Committee gathering,” revealed Morelia. If you’re interested in becoming a committee member of Rhinestone Cure, you can email Morelia via the Rhinestone Curesite by dropping a note to morelia@rhinestonecure.org or by sending your application letter to her attention via snail mail at: Rhinestone Cure Attention: Morelia, PO BOX 121886, Nashville, TN 37212.
