Fashion lovers may wish to have a shot at walking the catwalk – and one very young model had that chance when she graced the Public Relations Student Society of America’s Chic Peak Fashion Show March 23.
The runway and trunk show in Insalaco Hall featured Grace, a four-year-old Make-A-Wish child, whose star performance served as the show’s grand finale. She was escorted down the runway by sophomore communications major Nick Ciocchi.
“Having Grace really hit a lot of people hard,” said PRSSA president Amanda Ankner.
Grace modeled a frilly prink Purrect dress and matching head band donated by Baby Vogue, a Kingston boutique.
“I was happy because her family was very happy,” said Ankner.
PRSSA advisor Doug Martin agreed.
“It was quite adorable to watch her walk down the runway.”
Make-A-Wish of Scranton choose Grace out of all of their children to be the face of the event. All event proceeds benefit the Scranton branch of Make-A- Wish, which granted over 111 wishes last year alone and is the most active branch in the country.
“The show ended up being a big success,” said Martin.
The show featured seven high-end fashion vendors from throughout NEPA –and attendees were able to shop their pieces.
“We raised $436 for Make-A- Wish,” said senior communications student Amanda Ankner.
Ankner chose Make-A-Wish for the event because she served as a public relations intern at the organization for one semester
“I wanted to show Make-A-Wish that I’m still here, that I wasn’tjust there for an internship.”
The money raised will help to fund wishes that the organization will grant in the future.
“Each and every wish costs $4,000 no matter what they wish for,” said Ankner.
Student models walked the runway in clothes provided by the boutiques, while each boutique owner described the models outfits and talked about their stores in the area.
“I contacted the vendors, doing pretty much everything but beg them to join the show,” said Ankner.
After Grace and the other model’s strutted their stuff on the catwalk, the PRSSA held a basket raffle featuring 17 baskets, which consisted of gift cards and products from various local busi- nesses. The highlights of the raffle included a green ukulele donated by Wayne’s World and two bus tickets to Atlantic City, New Jersey donated by Martz Trailways.
“[PRSSA member] Ellen Hoffman kicked butt with the basket raffle. We wouldn’t have had what we had without her,” said Ankner.
Members faced many challenges during the planning process. Organizers changed the date of Chic Peak three times.
“We originally planned to have the show in February but then it had to be moved to March 30 but that date was not available so the show ended up being held on the 23,” said Ankner.
This year marks the third run of the campus fashion show – and organizers say it is an annual PRSSA event.
“We know what we need to work on and will improve. I’m ready for next year,” said Martin.