Runway for a Reason supports cause

Local bank branch holds fashion show to raise money for Relay for Life

Story by Jessica Bostick, Contributing writer

Jenny Rohl/The News A young model participates in Community Financial Services Bank’s fashion show to raise money for Relay for Life on Saturday.
Jenny Rohl/The News
A young model participates in Community Financial Services Bank’s fashion show to raise money for Relay for Life on Saturday.

Community Financial Services Bank Murray branch held a fashion show Saturday in the Curris Center Theater to raise money for Relay for Life and the American Heart Association.

“We’re hoping to make this an annual event and to grow it by getting campus organizations and more vendors involved,” said Jenny Jackson, coordinator of the event called Runway for a Reason.

The vendors who participated included local boutiques Emmy K’s, Jade Lee Boutique, Peachy Keen, Sass N Class, Shane Lee, Southern Soul, Tattle Tales, Rodan & Fields and many others.

CFSB works with Relay for Life every year but hopes this event will take their involvement up to the next level.

“We have a huge team put together every year and all come together and have a great time,” said Jordan Carr, senior from Murray, and model for the show.

The event not only promotes awareness for Relay for Life and the American Heart Association, but it also gives local businesses an opportunity to expand their market. 

Upon buying a ticket for $3 with a Murray State ID or $5 without, attendees’ names were entered into a raffle for various prizes from many of the boutiques. 

Models from each boutique showed style options ranging from newborn to women’s clothing.

The first 15 models showcased looks from the vendors they represented. After the first 15 models walked, there was a brief intermission during which the audience could get refreshments of popcorn and water or browse the booths set up by exhibitors in the lobby.

The vendors had racks of clothes and samples of their products.

The looks consisted of bright summer clothes, with the models displaying styles from maxi dresses to ruffle pants.

The remaining models walked after intermission and showcased the last 15 looks.

At the end of the fashion show, the raffle prizes were given away.  Prizes were  free clothes, jewelry and samples from the participants.

“It was a great experience,” Carr said. “I went planning on helping since I work at CFSB and once I got there was asked to model since they were one model short. I was very hesitant as I am not the modeling type, but I did it since it is all for a great cause. I ended up having an amazing time.”

The amount of money raised had not been figured as of Wednesday.

All proceeds went to the American Heart Association, which promotes cardiac health care in an effort to reduce disabilities and death brought on by cardiovascular disease, and Relay for Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life honors cancer survivors, those currently battling cancer and their families.

The upcoming Relay for Life has a survivors lap around the track and the Luminaria Ceremony which honors those who died of cancer.

According to Relay for Life’s website, there are currently 27 teams with 228 participants signed up for the Calloway County Relay for Life. The teams have raised $20,040 so far.

This year’s Relay for Life will take place from noon – 10 p.m. Saturday at Roy Stewart Stadium.

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