AAUW flaunts fashion for a good cause

By Heather Buckner

The American Association of University Women hosted a fashion show on Thursday to raise money for women’s scholarships and adult literacy.

“It’s an effort to help young people have all the educational opportunities that are possible for them,” said AAUW co-president Sandra Lott. “And this is a lot of fun! It’s a way to celebrate the people in our community who work so hard to give opportunities to young people.”

According to Lott, the event, “Springtime Celebration,” has been held annually for twenty years. This year the goal was to raise $4,000.

Women from the community and university modeled Belk clothing for an audience of about 150, while university professor Ed Robertson provided live music. In addition to a catwalk, this year the John Stewart Student Retreat center contained a silent auction as well, featuring arts, crafts, potted plants and books. 

The array of fashion models is what most guests cited as their favorite part of the show. Participants ranged from students to dogs to grandmothers and granddaughters. 

Reece Payne, the show’s youngest model, said she got to pick out the outfits she wore. They let her keep her favorite one. 

“My favorite color is pink,” she said.” “That’s why I like it so much.”

Her grandmother, Tracy Payne-Rocko participated because she supports the work AAUW does with young women.

“Students that I know that have come and been a part of AAUW as student affiliates have had great opportunities to go to conferences and come to their meetings — I think the mentoring aspect is very important,” said Rocko.

Reece thought she could sum up the day pretty well: “It was fun, and it was fantastic.”