Penn State Organization, Sisters on the Runway, Raises Funds via Fashion
This past Wednesday evening, over 200 Penn State students, alumni, and community members gathered in Heritage Hall and the HUB to help fight domestic violence by watching a fashion show. Although this may seem like an unorthodox way to fight domestic violence, this was not any ordinary fashion show.
Hosted by the Penn State club, Sisters on the Runway, this fashion show was the second annual show put on by the club to raise money for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.
The fashion show is the culmination of yearlong efforts by the club to raise awareness of and funds for the prevention of domestic abuse on college campuses and in the daily lives of men and women.
“This organization truly means the absolute world to me, and the best part is that we all have so much fun raising money for such an amazing cause. The fashion show…embodied our dedication towards building healthy relationships and empowering women,” said Layla Taremi, president and co-founder of the Penn State Division of Sisters on the Runway.
In total, Sisters on the Runway raised approximately $4000 for the Resource Center, a total that is nearly four times the amount raised in its first show last year.
A total of 20 Penn State students acted as models for the evening (14 women and six men), taking on the runway in fantastic clothing donated from local businesses. These shops include: Dwellings, Diamonds and Lace Bridal, Connections Clothing, Harper’s for Men, Headbands of Hope, and Zero Fashion. The show also featured acclaimed student designer, Han Made Clothing, who has garnered attention for its stellar tailgating attire all made in a dorm room.
Other highlights of the night included testimonies from Anne Ard, the Center County Women’s Resource Center Executive Director and Alexandra Couch, a survivor of domestic abuse who found solace at the Resource Center.
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se, raffles, refreshments, and giveaways engaged the audience and only added to the upbeat atmosphere.
Not only were there models, but phenomenal artistic performances as well. Well-known Penn State performer Matt Fell opened the evening with some alternative genre tunes and Julie Bouchard wrapped up the evening with a beautiful rendition of Adele’s hit song, “Hello.” Other notable performances was a duo of Mandy Quinones and Mike Vermiel and two dance performances by JaDHoom Dance Company and Reve Dance Company, respectively.
All in the all, the night was an absolute success.
“By attending that event, students and the community support the mission and efforts of the Centre County Women’s Resource Center,” said Taremi. “I look at the not as a space for the latest fashion trends… I see it as a metaphor for every street and hallway that women can walk down with positive self-confidence.”
Taremi adds that she hopes that Sisters on the Runway will continue to “spark advocacy” and support both men and women who have been affected by domestic violence.
Hosted by the Penn State club, Sisters on the Runway, this fashion show was the second annual show put on by the club to raise money for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.
The fashion show is the culmination of yearlong efforts by the club to raise awareness of and funds for the prevention of domestic abuse on college campuses and in the daily lives of men and women.
“This organization truly means the absolute world to me, and the best part is that we all have so much fun raising money for such an amazing cause. The fashion show…embodied our dedication towards building healthy relationships and empowering women,” said Layla Taremi, president and co-founder of the Penn State Division of Sisters on the Runway.
In total, Sisters on the Runway raised approximately $4000 for the Resource Center, a total that is nearly four times the amount raised in its first show last year.
A total of 20 Penn State students acted as models for the evening (14 women and six men), taking on the runway in fantastic clothing donated from local businesses. These shops include: Dwellings, Diamonds and Lace Bridal, Connections Clothing, Harper’s for Men, Headbands of Hope, and Zero Fashion. The show also featured acclaimed student designer, Han Made Clothing, who has garnered attention for its stellar tailgating attire all made in a dorm room.
Other highlights of the night included testimonies from Anne Ard, the Center County Women’s Resource Center Executive Director and Alexandra Couch, a survivor of domestic abuse who found solace at the Resource Center.
Likewi
se, raffles, refreshments, and giveaways engaged the audience and only added to the upbeat atmosphere.Not only were there models, but phenomenal artistic performances as well. Well-known Penn State performer Matt Fell opened the evening with some alternative genre tunes and Julie Bouchard wrapped up the evening with a beautiful rendition of Adele’s hit song, “Hello.” Other notable performances was a duo of Mandy Quinones and Mike Vermiel and two dance performances by JaDHoom Dance Company and Reve Dance Company, respectively.
All in the all, the night was an absolute success.
“By attending that event, students and the community support the mission and efforts of the Centre County Women’s Resource Center,” said Taremi. “I look at the
Taremi adds that she hopes that Sisters on the Runway will continue to “spark advocacy” and support both men and women who have been affected by domestic violence.
