The Drew Lewis Foundation’s ninth annual Fashion Forward event is a fun and easy way to help send some very special kiddos back to school with confidence and style.
Fashion Forward will be from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Fairbanks Community Hub (home of the Drew Lewis Foundation) at 1126 N. Broadway Ave.
In addition to live music, catered food and drinks (including adult beverages) the highlight of the evening is the fashion show put on by the 50-or-so children of families in the RISE program.
The kids will be wearing brand new — no hand-me-downs like they often get — stylish clothes, shoes and accessories.
Zack Wilson, youth development coordinator at the Drew Lewis Foundation, said he’ll have the kids rehearsing for the big event every Thursday leading up to Fashion Forward.
“I show them how to kind of do different poses. We map out with my blue painter’s tape on the stage so they are able to know where to walk and where to stop for a pose,” he said. “We’ll do a full run-through with them actually wearing their new outfits. We even catch it on video just to show them how they did and get them confident.
“Especially for some of the littler kids, it can be a little nerve-wracking to be in front of people,” Wilson said. “But plenty of them really revel in it. They really like being the star of the show (and) showing off their stuff.”
Short for “Reaching Independence through Support and Education,” the RISE program targets underserved families with educational programs for financial literacy, parenting skills, reliable transportation, affordable housing, and quality childcare. The goal is to empower families to set goals and achieve them through small, realistic steps and help them feel accomplished and self-sufficient.
Money raised at Fashion Forward will not only pay for the kids’ new clothes, accessories and school supplies, but it will also help fund the RISE program.
“In attending or sponsoring Fashion Forward, you’re not just providing new clothes to children,” Wilson said. “You’re investing in their futures by helping to bolster their confidence (as they) go into this next school year.”
Tickets are $35. Virtual tickets are $20. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available.
To sponsor a child, mail donation to the Drew Lewis Foundation, Fashion Forward 1126 N. Broadway Ave Springfield, Missouri, 65802.
Or scan the QR code below:
