SOUTH SURREY — Pizzazz International Model and Talent is both giving and accepting donations of clothing at its annual fashion showcase, which takes place Wednesday (June 25) in the ballroom at Pacific Inn Resort & Conference Centre in South Surrey.
Each of the more than 50 models will give away some part of their wardrobe they haven't recently worn to Sources Community Resource Centre's Women's Place.
Attendees are encouraged to bring in their own clean, unwanted clothing (on hangers) for donation. This year they are accepting maternity wear, kids and baby clothes as well.
"Part of what we teach our models is to be Role Models in their community," said Dale Harding, owner/founder of Pizzazz International.
"They have to sort and clean out their clothes closets, so we thought it would be a good tie-in with Sources Women's Place, for their women there that are transitioning out of abusive relationships and on their own into the work force again."
Sources Women's Place offers a clothing exchange that gives away close to 400 large bags of clothing monthly, including business, maternity and casual wear. Sources Helps up to 24,000 women per year.
"It's probably one of our most frequented resources," said Denise Darrell, Sources Director of Women, Seniors and Community Services.
Darrell has no idea how much clothing to expect at the event Wednesday, but if it's as good as last time, there will be quite a few happy ladies. "No matter what, we'll have someone there to handle it."
"If there are some exceptional coats and bags that are donated once again at the fashion showcase, we'll revisit the live-auction aspect I presented the last time to an audience of 250, but this year with our Pizzazz model graduates, and that money will also go to Sources Women's Place as a cash donation," said showcase assistant Victoria Clements.
The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with a cocktail hour, entertainment, a silent auction and a fashion show.
Models take the runway at 7:30 p.m., featuring local designers Jeassea Thyidor, Jan Bautista and Aileen Twa, recent fashion grads from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Also featured on the runway will be local shops and fashion boutiques Sereno Spa, Cheryl's Trading Post, She's some Kind of Wonderful, Sasso Moda, Triple Flip Kids Clothing, Betty Be Good and Eyebar Eyewear Boutique.
The awards ceremony begins at 9 p.m. and includes the best TV commercial, most photogenic and best runway walk, with personal development scholarship training awarded to the winners.
Event tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door. For more information call, 604-541-3888 or go to Pizzazzmodelingagency.com.