VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 3
to Valentine's Day week and transformed our gym into an evening dinner and
dance venue, allowing more families to participate.
In the early years, a local store provided the clothing for the event, which
families had to return afterward. FBC wanted our students to have something they
could keep, so by the third year, we began inviting sponsors to support individual
students. Our amazing staff, community members, and board members stepped up,
donating $50 each so families could buy and keep their outfits. This small change
made a big difference. Families bought tickets for the event, ranging from $5 to
$10 per person, which included a meal and the dance. We wanted to keep the price
low, so the event was accessible to everyone; as always, cost is never a reason for
someone to not participate. This year, we decided to mix things up even more. Our
Marketing Team launched a focused social media campaign to recruit volunteers
for setup and to help offset meal costs. We moved the event to April and
reimagined the seating to mimic a New York Fashion Week runway, with chairs
lined up on each side. We also returned to an afternoon schedule, serving
appetizers and desserts instead of a full meal. These changes were a hit, making
this year's show another huge success.
The Fashion Show is about so much more than clothes, a dinner, and a
dance; it's a chance for our students to practice essential life skills from the
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).
