The Salvation Army Western PA Announces Runway RePurposed, Blending Fashion and Fundraising During Rebranded Event
PITTSBURGH, PA (May 12, 2021) – The Salvation Army Western PA Division is thrilled to announce its new event, Runway RePurposed, which will blend fashion and fundraising during an exciting evening on Thursday, October 14.
The event renews the legacy left by former Salvation Army fundraiser, the Garbage Bag Gala, which was held annually for more than a decade. The rebranded fashion-centered fundraiser, Runway RePurposed, will focus on showcasing local designers creating innovative dresses from recycled and repurposed materials and will more closely align with the fashion industry's focus on sustainability.
Runway RePurposed brings fashion, food, and fun all together in one room—while raising funds and awareness for The Salvation Army’s Family Caring Center. The highlight of the event is a fashion show for which local designers, boutiques, and students are challenged to repurpose everyday items by transforming them into wearable fashion.
"The event had to be canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one lesson that so many of us learned during this time is the true importance of having a safe home,” said Cherie Hugh, The Salvation Army Western PA Division’s Development and Volunteer Manager. “Support for the Family Caring Center is needed now more than ever and we look forward to the opportunity to once again come together to support local families while enjoying fashion, food, and fun."
All funds raised at the event will support The Salvation Army’s Family Caring Center, one of the few homeless shelters in Allegheny County that houses entire families so they can remain together to work through their obstacles as a family unit. Each year, over 150 families find refuge at the shelter, which not only provides basic necessities, but a comprehensive program to position them for success in the future.
“Our Salvation Army Family Stores have long practiced repurposing unwanted items to fund residential rehabilitation services for individuals seeking to break the cycle of addiction. Now, our new Runway RePurposed event will shine the spotlight on fashion with reimagined creations from recycled and repurposed materials; all the while spreading awareness and raising funds to support local families who are finding a new purpose in their lives at the Family Caring Center,” said Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Western PA Division. “We look forward to bringing the community together safely this fall and resuming this wonderful annual fundraiser in a brand new way.”
For more information, visit www.runwayrepurposed.org.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
Contact:
Stephanie Rex, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (412) 463-2942