Fashion-forward members of the community will have the chance to check out the hottest looks of the season, all while supporting local residents with disabilities.
Gateway Services, together with Mount Pleasant Christian Church, will host its fourth annual fashion show on Sept. 16. The fundraiser will feature brunch, a silent auction and a fashion display, with Gateway clients and supporters donning the trendiest styles.
While the event is designed to bring the community together to further support Gateway’s programs, it also provides a unique opportunity that many of their clients maybe have never had, said Kim Lakin, director of day services for Gateway.
“The people that we serve, when they were growing up, many never had a chance to do things like go to homecoming or go to prom, all of those things that a lot of us experience in our lives,” she said. “It’s huge for them and for the families, and a beautiful event.”
Gateway Services has been operating in Johnson County for more than 50 years. The organization provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities, offers day programs for individuals 16 and older to help them socialize and forms small groups for people to get out into the community.
The organization has been a champion for the disabled, as well as their families, since being founded in 1963.
The fashion show has grown into one of Gateway’s largest fundraisers during the past three years.
“The money raised goes to client services. We’re a small nonprofit, so we’re always scrapping for money,” said Eve Pressnell-Moore, director of employment services for Gateway. “There’s been more cuts to funding, so everything is always changing.”
This year, the organization has partnered with Mount Pleasant Christian Church to put on the event. Another partner is Outer Grace Boutique, a Bargersville shop that will be providing all of the fashion for the women participating in the show. Macy’s will outfit the men, Lakin said.
“Some of the models will be our clients, some will be people from the community,” Lakin said. “Everyone loves to see our clients model, but we don’t want to segregate and only have people with disabilities. We’re all about integrating into the community.”
Tickets are $40 for single admission, or $300 for a table of eight. Doors for the event open at 10:15 a.m., with brunch served at 11. The fashion show will follow.
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Gateway Services Fashion Show
What: A fashion show, brunch and silent auction supporting Gateway Services.
When: 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16
Where: Mount Pleasant Christian Church, 381 N. Bluff Road, Greenwood
Tickets: $40 for single tickets, $300 for table of eight
Information and order tickets: Call Kim Lakin or Eve Pressnell-Moore at 317-738-5500 or go to http://www.gatewayarc.com/fashionshow3.shtml
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