Thompson center raises funds with fashion show
March 11, 2008
Stephens College alumnus Jeannetta Hartley models an outfit as part of a collection designed by MU student Katie James on Saturday night at the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurological Disorders Model Citizen Fashion Show. The fundraiser helped raise more than $100,000 for the Thompson Center.
Columbia got a taste of both Hollywood and hope Saturday night at the MU Thompson Center for Autism & Neurological Disorders Model Citizen Fashion Show.
Hundreds of people filled the satin-covered seats of the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center to enjoy both the fashions of Missouri’s finest boutiques and up-and-coming designers.
Emcee Jann Carl, a correspondent on Entertainment Tonight and an MU School of Journalism graduate, often reminded the attendees the reasons for the fashion show.
“When my son Matthew was born, I thought he was absolutely perfect,” Carl said. “A couple years later, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and a learning disorder that was on the autism spectrum. I have seen first hand how research, intervention therapies and a coordinated effort between health care professionals and family members can truly turn things around for a patient. We must continue the research needed to unlock the mysteries surrounding these disorders and provide services to those in need. The Thompson Center is doing just that.”
Before the fashion show began, the honorary event chairwoman and chairman Candy and Brian Neuner walked onto the runway to present the Thompson Center with a $3,000 check on behalf of Aflac, where Nuener now works.
“It is important for people to continue to support the Thompson Center,” Neuner said before he handed Carl the check. “Autism is constantly with these families and we need to start making some more breakthroughs.”
Two of the designers were Sara Emami, a senior fashion design and product development major at Stephens College and Maggie Robey, a senior at Stephens College in the fashion design department. Emami, in her “Metamorphic” collection, emphasized the beauty of nature through organic material, according to a pamphlet. Robey’s design embodied American fashion during World War II with her “Fly Girls” collection.
At the end of the show, William Thompson, who funded the creation of the Thompson Center through a donation to MU, walked onto the runway and said he was humbled by the incredible turnout.
“We have one goal for the Thompson Center: to become the premiere institution in the United States for the research, educational work and treatment of autism,” Thompson said. “We will not be satisfied until we reach that goal.”
The Model Citizen Fashion Show raised funds for the center through the contributions made by the fashion sponsors, ranging from a gift of $5,000 for each couture sponsor, $2,500 to $5,000 from evening wear sponsors, $1,000 to $2,499 from day wear and $500 to $999 from ready-to-wear sponsors.
The end of the evening was a unique and special treat. Every attendee received a gift bag, and inside each bag was a kaleidoscope made by a child from the Thompson Center. Carl asked for everyone to hold their kaleidoscope up to the light and look into it.
“Each one of you will see something different,” Carl said. “Each child diagnosed with autism views the world differently.”
More March 11, 2008 News Stories
- SHC system more efficient — The MU Student Health Center has created a new scheduling system in an effort to simplify students’ visits. The new ...
- 10 arrested in Columbia crackdown — Yearlong undercover investigation results in 27 indictments and 10 arrests.
- Death of professor leads to manslaughter charge — The man who caused a crash that led to the death of an MU professor is being charged with manslaughter, ...
- Thompson center raises funds with fashion show — Columbia got a taste of both Hollywood and hope Saturday night at the MU Thompson Center for Autism & Neurological ...
- Univ. presidents’ salaries going up — The UM system is one of many universities across the country whose president’s salary is increasing greater than the rate ...
Most recent News Stories
- New sustainable technology to be installed in residence halls — Building Dashboard will monitor energy consumption in a handful of residence halls.
- Extended Housing explained — Extended House has provided space for a record number of freshmen.
- Hulshof and Nixon release dueling education plans — Nixon and Hulshof released competing plans for Missouri higher education students.
- MU students to work in health clinics in Mexico with international group — The trip is open to all students, not just those studying medicine.
- Students flock to Comedy Wars on Wednesday nights — Comedy Wars attracts crowds Wednesday nights in Memorial Union.