Another Fashion Plates has come and gone! I didn't blog about it right away because I was waiting for the professional photos from the photographers to become available. Well here we are a few weeks later and only a sampling have been shared. So I can't wait any longer to share about this amazing event. . . photos or no photos!
I got involved with the MS Fashion Plates committee over 4 years ago because I thought it sounded like such a fun event and I wanted to volunteer for something different (another than a MS walk). Well little did I know that I would end up modeling that first year and the following two years too! So while this was my fourth year being involved in the event it was my FIRST time actually watching it from the audience and it was SO fun!
I actually wasn't allowed to model this year because a couple of years ago as a committee we decided to put a two year "term limit" on models in order to give more women a chance to participate. We have a long wait list. After two years you have to take a year off before being allowed to participate again. It has worked out well and brought a lot of new ladies into the event who are awesome!
For those of you who don't know all of the "models" are REAL WOMEN who have MS! It is the coolest event ever! We were the first in the country to do anything like this and now the ladies in Maine did one this year modeled after our event. Next year Long Island is planning to do one too!
The committee works for the entire year before the event to plan it. One of our biggest tasks is getting donations for our incredible raffle baskets. When I say basket I don't mean one little basket with a couple of things in it. They are usually overflowing onto the floor as you can see above. Each basket has a theme and is valued at well over $1,000. Sadly I did not win any but two of my friends from the committee did so that was exciting (and hopefully they will share)!
The event is done at lunch time and includes a meal prior to the program and fashion show! This year my mom came as well as three of my friends with their moms! We were the mother daughter table and I failed to get a photo (I was sick and out of work all week so I totally had to rally for the event).
Ports and Company, a local boutique, provides all of the clothing for the event. This year they brought these awesome lulu tattoos and since I'm on the committee I got to try them out too! All the models had them and they looked fabulous on the runway. They make such a fun accessory and they stayed on really well.
Mary Sue (her initials are MS - get it?!) was at the event too and we encouraged everyone to take a selfie with her and share it on social media!
For the finale of the fashion show all of the alumni models went on the stage. It was really fun to see all my friends up there and we got to cheer on the models as they walked the runway one last time!
Anthony Everett, host of the tv show Chronicle, returned as our emcee this year. He has a personal connection to MS as his mother had it and he is very committed to the cause.
After the show with my friends and fellow committee members! Love these ladies!
The fabulous Fashion Plates committee!!
The beautiful models including Lori Grande (first row, second person from left) who took a break from emceeing and instead walked the runway as a model! Not only that but Lori went public nationally with her personal MS story. You can read the article here. It is hard enough to go public when you are a regular person but I can only imagine how much harder it is when you are a public figure. Lori has been so brave to share her story and I hope it helps many people know that you can still be successful even when living with MS!
If you haven't had enough watch this video to get a glimpse of this fab event. You'll she some of the beautiful clothes too!
It really is hard to put this event into words. You just have to be there to experience it. It is like nothing else I've been involved in and I'm so proud to be a member of the committee that puts it all together!
For my local friends and readers please SAVE THE DATE! I would love to have you experience this event for yourself. You won't be disappointed! Oh and it is on Friday the 13th so you never know what to expect!
My mother has MS - - - and it completely changed who she was as a person.
It is wonderful you are so active - - -this autoimmune disorder needs to be cured.
Looks like it was a great event. Love the dress you wore.
I'm sad I had to miss Fashion Plates this year.
Next year, I want to attend & bring my Mom. I think she'd be impressed. Maybe someday she'd consider modeling.
Looks like such a fun night!! You look fantastic in that dress!