Fashion show funds Habitat
Published Oct. 13, 2006
Red rose petals lined a runway on the cracked concrete floor in The Blue Note. Girls worked the steps leading down to the runway in uncomfortable-looking spiked heels. Gals screamed in support of their model friends who were sashaying the catwalk in sophisticated outfits.
A fashion benefit raised funds for Habitat for Humanity on Tuesday night at The Blue Note.
A two-man band got the night rolling with its bouncy melodies, sung by lead singer and guitarist Jonathan Cour. The band pumped up the crowd with their acoustic performance, including some less than uplifting Death Cab For Cutie covers.
MU sophomores Megan McCalla and Melissa Lindwedel hosted the event.
"It was an idea that I had as a freshman," McCalla said.
She was a member of an entrepreneur Freshman Interest Group in which each student had to submit an idea that would generate business for a contest. Her idea, to host a fashion show, won. She received $200 and a green light to start the project. The show has been in the works for a year, McCalla said.
The show had a steep cost at $15 per ticket, with all the proceeds going directly to Habitat for Humanity.
"It didn't cost too much. That's because you got free food, got to see cool clothes, and it went to a great cause," said junior Christine Grelle, who attended the show.
The event featured local clothing stores including Girl Boutique, Britches, Natural Groove, Binghams, The Villager on Broadway, Blackberry Exchange, Maude Vintage and Swank, who all donated various clothing items and accessories to the show.
Not only did the various fashions come from local shops, but the models were also from Columbia.
"We sent e-mails out to the campus, sorority girls and Stephens girls," McCalla said.
The emcee for the night, Laura Rice, informed the crowd that the models weren't professionals but instead were doing this for fun. She also told the crowd to be loud, and the crowd was more than willing to acquiesce to that demand.
"I had fun with it," model Kristin Dimara said. She was one of the more bold models who wore a leopard print dress her first time out.
With the help of proceeds from the show, Habitat for Humanity volunteers are building a house for Columbia resident Jerry Mitchell, who will have 20 years to pay for the house. The House Build began Oct. 2 and will finish Oct. 20.