JANESVILLE — Getting all dressed up for a special event and having something fun to look forward to does wonders for the human spirit.
That’s the idea behind the Rock County Catholic Charities Fashion Show for the disabled held in September each year.
This year’s event, the sixth annual show, was held at KANDU Industries in Janesville. Over 20 models and their families, friends, and caretakers took part in the excitement and confidence-building of this unique opportunity.
Catholic Charities Rock County Recreation Program organizes the show, and clients from the program model clothes from local businesses.
‘Star treatment’
The models not only get to experience a walk down the runway wearing their carefully chosen outfits, but they also get plenty of “star treatment” before the show.
Volunteers helped the models with their hair and makeup. Refreshments and snacks were provided “back stage.” The anticipation of the show was exciting for the models as they socialized with their peers and Catholic Charities staff and volunteers.
According to Fashion Show coordinator Brenda Hammon, “This is one of the highlights of our clients’ year.” The number of participants has grown each year. It takes a lot of planning and effort, but it is so worth the effort, she said.
Fashion Show
The models were divided into three fashion categories: Dressy, Sporty, and Formal. Each model was escorted to the runway by a volunteer for their walk of fame.
Catholic Charities Rock County Recreation Program is growing |
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JANESVILLE — Catholic Charities Rock County Recreation Program assists people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries in meeting their social, leisure, and recreational needs. Participants are given opportunities to increase their socialization, develop friendships, and stay active in the community. By participating in the program, individuals learn more about activities and resources and improve their social skills and independence in the community. This year the Recreation Program has added a Walking Club for clients, explained Brenda Hammon, program coordinator. The participants keep track of their attendance and challenge themselves and others to increase their walking time. They are then rewarded through the program for their participation and earn “reward trips.” The club has taken trips to the State Capitol in Madison, the zoo, and a local ski show, to name a few. Cultural initiatives are encouraged with events such as a Mardi Gras party and a National Night Out. The Recreation Program is changing and growing, said Hammon. “We have various nights out, including a Halloween Party and a Christmas Dance, and clients help with Second Harvest Food Bank, the annual Corn Roast, and most recently a Ceramic Group at the senior center,” she said. “These are some great opportunities for the disabled to be with their peers, families, and the larger community.” |
Individual personalities added fun and excitement to the event. The smiles and the confidence displayed on the faces of the models were heart-warming.
From the models in fishing attire and Packers jerseys to those in lovely evening gowns, all got a walk down the runway to strut their stuff and be acknowledged for their unique contributions.
The program’s Fashion Show started in 2009 with just seven clients participating, according to Hammon. “This year we have 23 participants. It is a wonderful opportunity for the participants to be honored and celebrated. Family members and friends come out to watch the show and refreshments and cake is served afterward.”
Door prizes donated by local businesses are awarded throughout the show, and balloons and decorations add to the festive mood. There are lots of group and individual photos taken, and each client is applauded and cheered.
Accolades build self-esteem
Master of Ceremonies for the fashion show was KANDU’s CEO Gary Bersell, who knows many of the models because they are employed at KANDU Industries.
He got things started by welcoming everyone and thanking the caretakers, friends, and family members who came to support the models. Bersell joked about his own sense of fashion and thanked the helpers who wrote the scripts to describe the outfits each model was wearing.
Bersell announced each model and told about not only the clothing they wore, but also the model’s favorite foods, hobbies, music preferences, and where they worked.
The individual recognition and personalization by Bersell was a highlight and esteem-building moment for each of them. Each model was presented a red rose by a program staff member as they left the stage.
KANDU has been providing work opportunities for people with disabilities for more than 40 years. This service enables KANDU workers to achieve their maximum potential and enjoy the dignity of being productive citizens.
Through this Fashion Show and other events sponsored throughout the year by the Recreation Program, beautiful memories and bonds are created.