Local celebrities will once again hit the fashion runway this month to not only show off the latest clothing styles but also to raise money for an important cause. The Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Fashion Show will take place this year at the Jayhawk Club on October 20th. The funds raised will help support the organization’s mission to ignite the power and promise of youth through mentorship.
“We get local Lawrence celebrities to model the clothing,” says Jeffry Jack, KSBBBS Northeast Area Director. “And they’re wearing clothes from small, locally owned businesses. We're not reaching out to the big-box retailers or to big designers. We're not hiring professional models. We're using local people that are known in the community.”
This year, ten retailers will present four outfits each on the catwalk. Also, Rightfully Sewn, a non-profit out of Kansas City that empowers individuals through seamstress training, will present two outfits. Some of the local personalities already signed on to model include four Kansas University athletes from the football, basketball and volleyball programs, City Commissioner Amber Sellers, and BBBS board member Kristi Keefer with Farmers Insurance, who brought the idea of a fashion show fundraiser to the organization from her own non-profit, Cooper’s Cause. Kevin Romary and Audra Fussell will serve as masters of ceremony.
When the doors open at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy food, drinks, and conversations while perusing the silent auction items. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
“You know, real fashion shows don't last more than about ten minutes,” notes Jack. “Ours last longer than that because we have 42 outfits. About a third of the way through there will be an intermission. During the intermission, will have one or two live auction items just for fun. We're also going to have a raffle. And there will be some other entertainment-type things going on to give people a chance to take a break.”
Taylor LaRue of McGrew Real Estate is organizing this year’s event, which looks to be a sellout. However, the silent auction is open to the public online. It will begin one week before the fashion show on October 13th, and anyone can bid. Just go to https://handbid.app.link/BigShow23.
Jack says, “In the past, we've tried to have different events, and it's really hard to differentiate yourself. There are so many good nonprofits in Lawrence. The beauty of this event is it is different than anything else. So, our goal is for people to have fun and support a good cause, That's really what it's about.”