2011 Rags to Runway

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I had the great privilege to MC the 2011 RAGS to Runway: A Storybook Fashion Show Told By TSPA Students. The event benefited the YWCA and was held at The Salon Professional Academy in Tacoma.

The fashion show gave the cosmetology and esthetic students at The Salon Professional Academy an opportunity to collaborate with local fiber, jewelry, and clothing designers in creating high-fashion hair and makeup looks for a final project – the fashion show – as well as a chance for many of the students to try their best runway walks. I got to tell the story of Anywho and Anyone to open and close the show.

During the show, I co-hosted with fellow Toastmaster, Roselie Gus,  announcing the models, their outfit designers’ names and details, as well as who did their hair and make-up. Each girl was a work of art, and we had a lot of fun getting our hair and make-up done before the show, too!

The clothing and jewelry were for sale, with proceeds going to benefit the Pierce County YWCA. The show was a practice run for the upcoming RAGS wearable art sale & gallery in March 2012 – click the link for details and to buy tickets. A portion of all sales helps the YWCA keep abused women and children safe, healthy, and self-sufficient.

Info on TSPA:

The Salon Professional Academy is an innovative training center and the only beauty school endorsed by Redken 5th Avenue NYC for Excellence in Education. Students receive a superior education and are empowered to explore their creativity while learning the latest techniques in a leading-edge facility. The Salon Professional Academy also enables success by teaching critical business building skills which prepare students to become future industry leaders.

As a survivor myself, I love to volunteer for things like this. These women were not just beautiful, not just talented – they were empowered! This is the outcome of great programs like the Y – folks with a future!

YWCA story behind the program