The Salvation Army’s Runway RePurposed Fundraiser Returns in October
PITTSBURGH (September 12, 2022) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is proud to host its annual Runway RePurposed event from 6:30 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 at the Sheraton Station Square. Runway RePurposed brings fashion, food and fun together in one room – while raising funds and awareness for The Salvation Army’s Family Caring Center. Tickets can be purchased for $75 on RunwayRePurposed.org.
During this fashion show local designers, boutiques and students are challenged to repurpose everyday items by turning them into wearable fashion. Lifestyle and Entertainment Host Mikey Hood, from KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live, will be returning as event emcee. This year’s judges will include 3WS/iHeart Radio personality Mike Frazer, Editor for NEXTPittsburgh Brian Hyslop, designer Elaine Healy and accessory designer Nisha Blackwell. Bradford Mumpower, of Bradford Mumpower Designs, will serve as fashion show director. Designs are judged on the runway according to their use of repurposed materials, creativity and overall appeal, and awards are given for Best Design and Best Student Design.
While the designers provide a second chance to materials that would have otherwise been thrown away, the Family Caring Center provides a second chance to struggling families. Typical shelters are often gender specific, allowing either women and children or men only. The Salvation Army’s Family Caring Center, located in East Liberty, accepts entire family units, offering a unique, family-focused program. The Family Caring Center has seventeen individual rooms with a total of 36 beds in apartment-style units allowing the family to remain together in a safe, secure environment with three meals a day and specialized programming to help them get back on their feet.
“It is so important for families to stay united through difficult times,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Western PA Division said. “Living in a shelter can be particularly tough on kids. Our staff and volunteers at the Family Caring Center work hard each day to ensure families have the resources and support they need. We are grateful this fundraiser has continued to grow in scope and size over the last decade. It is truly amazing to see the creativity of each designer and the generosity of each supporter.”
This year’s designers include Lane Root of Mossy Lane Products, Amanda Vereb of The Iron Horse Atelier, Brazilian fashion designer Lana Neumeyer, Eva Dixon with I Do Designs By Eva, Jami Johnson resident of Pathways Community Living with mentor Katy DeMent, Amy Stewart of Haute Cocoa, wearable design artist Susan Masarek Wilson, longtime designer James Houk, Melissa Charles of MelissaSade’s Designs, Jen Rocket LLC, Y=f(X) of design incubator Sergery, Julia Hockey Mazur and Jackie Schwartzmiller. North Allegheny School District, Franklin Regional High School Advanced Art Students and Hopewell High School FCCLA Chapter will also be participating.
The Salvation Army would like to thank our dedicated committee members and our generous sponsors: Peoples Gas, PNC Bank, iHeart Radio, Neumeyer Environmental Services, Inc., getGo and New Chapter Energy LLC.
Tickets can be purchased on RunwayRePurposed.org. Visit the Runway RePurposed Facebook page for additional information and behind the scenes content. Along with the fashion show, the event will feature a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres.
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, visit wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
Contact:
Nicole Harrell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642