Dress to Succeed hosts 1st annual fashion show fundraiser

February 4, 2017 at 12:03a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The first annual Dress to Succeed fashion show entertained a full house at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown with male and female models showcasing a wide variety of clothes to fit a diverse array of body types, vocations and activities.

One would be hard-pressed to know just by looking that every article of clothing and accessory was among hundreds of pieces available for free.

The fashion show is the first of its kind showcasing some of the finest clothes from Dress to Succeed L.L.C. ministry, founded by Elder Rose Carter of Greater Friendship Baptist Church, who now serves as its president. The most important thing she wanted to display through the fashion show, she said, is the quality of the clothes.

“When we give the clothes away, it’s not just anything,” she said. “We work with them to dress with dignity, and that’s what we’re going to do tonight.”

After a prayer service and dinner, the fashion show got underway, with three waves of volunteer models wearing casual, business, formal and luxurious winter coats. The event also included a 50/50 raffle and door prize.

The Dress to Succeed Ministry has been providing free clothes from professional to casual to men and women who are entering the job market, college, vocational or training schools, or are simply in need. It receives most of its clothes from local organizations, stores and individuals.

Rodney Cole, 44, of Youngstown, attended the show with his mother, Beverly, and said he enjoyed the event. Cole himself has donated clothes to charities such as the ministry.

“I think it was a great idea ...” he said. “The food was good, the models were great and [it was] a pretty good turnout.”

All the money donated from the guests will go back to the ministry.