The Radford Clothing Bank hosted its first Fashion Show fundraiser recently with support from artists, businesses, and Radford University faculty and students.
Showcasing donated items from the Clothing Bank, Radford University Department of Design students assembled sparkly eveningwear ensembles, student-casual jeans and sweaters, elegant loungewear, and a men’s red, two-piece gym suit donated by the Radford University Athletic Department.
Supported by many groups and community members, the show was held at the Central United Methodist Church in Radford. An RU music student played the guitar during a lunch provided by Commonwealth Senior Living Radford at tables decorated by Northside Florist.
Planning the fundraising event was a group effort too. Board members and Clothing Bank volunteers all pitched in to pull the event together.
“We need to raise money for rent and utilities and all our important projects during the year. We write grants and City of Radford helps, but our coffers were low,” the Clothing Bank’s Mary Ann Semones, who assisted in coordinating the event, said.
“Trying to raise some money to better serve our clients, the board was just throwing ideas around and a board member thought of a fashion show and we said ‘That might work!’ So we jumped in and connected with the Department of Design at RU and Dr. Farrell Doss, a professor in the department, who said ‘I would love to help with that!’”
The Clothing Bank provides free, gently used clothing to clients who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, (SNAP), or are on Medicaid, but anyone may shop at the Clothing Bank by making a monetary donation.
“People donate really nice clothing apparel. You can sometimes find quality name brands for a few dollars. People have come in getting ready for a job interview or prom and we are able to provide that for them.“
The Fashion Show, attended by approximately one hundred and twenty people, was directed by Dr. Doss and seven of his students who dressed eighteen men and women models who are Clothing Bank volunteers, clients and community members.
David Horton, Radford Chamber of Commerce president, served as master of ceremonies giving a short biographical sketch of each model and an enticing description of the clothes they wore. The descriptions were written by Clothing Bank volunteer, Bernadette McBride.
“We want the best for our clients. We want people to look and feel good about the clothes they get from us. Clothes can cost a lot and The Clothing Bank tries to give our clients a retail store like experience, even though they are shopping ‘gently used items’. Our role is to help maintain our clients’ self-respect. We just want everybody to feel special and to have the clothing they need for their families,” Ms. Semones said.
Many local businesses donated items or gift cards to be used as raffle items and door prizes.
PR Sturgill Fine Jewelry, Radford City Florist, and local fine arts photographer, Susan Lockwood sponsored the raffle. Door prizes were donated by Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Nagoya Sushi Restaurant, Kroger’s, Wade’s, Peacocks & Hollyhocks, NRV Super Bowl, Mary Bohanan, Central Hair Company, Wal-Mart and The Dented Pot Restaurant.
Graphic artist, Lam Dinh, assisted in the creation of a large poster acknowledging all of the donors.
“We have had a wonderful response from people who attended. Many were surprised at the quality of the clothing we offer our clients,” Clothing Bank volunteer Martha Kincaid wrote in a press release. “People in the community were so generous!”
“The Clothing Bank is grateful to all the New River Valley Community for its support of this fun event, as well as clothing donations, and much-needed financial contributions throughout the year,” Semones said. “The Clothing Bank thanks the Radford community for its wonderful support of this first-ever fundraiser event.”
The Clothing Bank (2000 West Street) also sponsors Coats for Kids, an autumn coat program, and August Kids, an effort that provides clothing vouchers to Radford City School students who qualify for free lunches. The Clothing Bank is open on Thursdays 10 a.m. -12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
