SEPTEMBER 2017 36 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM {fashion in the philanthropy lane} GIVING IN STYLE PHOENIX WELCOMES A (ROLE) MODEL RESIDENT Tyler Butler | SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER Over the years supermodel Kim Alexis has been a strong advocate for many causes. She has hosted celebrity charity events, golf tournaments, hockey, tennis and bowling matches — all of which benefitted an organization in need. Kim has also given her time for three years as a volunteer for the Bolder Hospital. This world-class model is now joining the Phoenix community. With that, she intends to make a positive impact by sharing her expertise, connections and clout. What follows is a condensed version of our interview: Frontdoors: How did modeling come into your life; was it a childhood dream? Kim Alexis: Actually, I wanted to be a pharmacist growing up. It was only after I was discovered at age 17 that I began modeling. And by the time I was 18 I was already shooting covers in Italy. Things continued to take off from there. At 23, I was signed to an exclusive Revlon cosmetics modeling deal, which did limit the work I could take on. But, I still hold the record for gracing the cover of Glamour magazine more than anyone else and in total I have been fortunate enough to be featured on over 500 magazine covers throughout my career. Frontdoors: So once you gained notoriety as a model, what did you set your sights on next? Kim Alexis: I planned to use modeling to get into broadcast. I studied acting and took voice lessons as well. I wanted to have a voice that I could leverage to influence and motivate people to help others. Frontdoors: You’ve hosted many charity events over the years. Is there one that sticks out? Kim Alexis: In 1989 I hosted a fishing tournament benefitting the American Cancer Society of Jacksonville and the guest of honor was Bruce Jenner. He brought a lot of attention to the event given his gold medal win in the 1976 Olympics and subsequent fame.
SEPTEMBER 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 37 Frontdoors: Throughout the years it seems you’ve been involved with a wide range of causes. Is there a cause area you are most drawn to? Kim Alexis: Yes! I gravitate towards children’s causes and I am particularly drawn to literacy awareness. I’ve recently been introduced to Stand for Children and I am looking forward to getting involved further. Frontdoors: Are there other Arizona-based causes that you feel compelled to support at this time? Kim Alexis: I’ve had the privilege of touring Florence Crittenton and I was most impressed. They have such a strong reputation and I hope to be of service by aiding them with awareness for their endeavors. Frontdoors: How do you envision sharing the lessons you’ve learned throughout your impressive career with others as you seek to help them? Kim Alexis: I want to encourage other women in all aspects of life. Everyone is beautiful and beauty truly does come from the inside. I want women to understand that there is beauty in being comfortable with themselves. Frontdoors: So what is next for you professionally? Kim Alexis: Well I have a successful hair and wig line, Fortune Wigs. I am also filming a new show for the Food Network and the Cooking Channel called Food Quest, which will take audiences on a global culinary adventure. (Programming note: Kim Alexis' and Robin Leach’s show Food Quest launches on Friday, September 29 at 9:30 p.m. on the Food Network.) @tylerjbutler Tyler Butler SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER