FHS Runway for Riley Fashion Show Returns March 21

Photography provided by Laura Arick Photography

Who says raising money for a great cause can’t be fun? For the eighth straight year, Fishers High School is hosting Runway for Riley, a fashion show that benefits Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. It will be held Thursday, March 21. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show commences at 7. The entrance fee is $5.

This popular annual affair gives participants a chance to shine while attendees enjoy a bit of shopping, music and fashion. This year, the event is co-chaired by three members of the Fishers High School Parent Teacher Organization: Kim Cox, Heather Moritz and Trisha Zastrow. Although they oversee the fashion show committee and make sure all aspects of the event are put into place, the students are the main focus.

“We try to keep it as student-driven as possible,” Zastrow says. “It’s all about the kids and raising money for Riley. Last year the fashion show raised more than $7,000.”

The evening begins with an hour to shop at about 20 vendor booths.  These local retailers either make a monetary donation or have loaned clothes that will be modeled. Some have stores located at nearby Hamilton Town Center such as First Harvest Boutique, Francesca’s and JC Penny. Blue Peppermint, Dottie Couture Boutique and State of Grace Boutique reside in Fishers. Examples of other shops that are outside the community but still want to be part of the night’s excitement are Endeavor Boutique of Carmel and Matilda Jane Clothing.

“We are especially thankful for certain vendors who have been a part of the show and have supplied clothing to model for several years such as Louie’s Tux Shop,” Zastrow says.

Marc Williams, Exceptional Learner teacher at FHS, serves as disc jockey during all activities. He chooses the music which sets the mood for a high energy, good-time atmosphere. The actual script of the fashion show is prerecorded. Vendors submit descriptions of clothing that are selected to be modeled. Students are tape recorded while they read the supplied narratives. The tape is then played as the models walk the runway and show off the fashion.

Approximately 100 male and female students will model. An additional 15 to 20 children or teens are Miracle Models. These special kids are former as well as current patients at Riley Hospital. Each Miracle Model family supplies a bit of information about their child’s fight against childhood cancer and the story is shared during that individual’s modeling segment.

“It’s a magical night for these kids,” Zastrow adds. “Some of the children are in wheelchairs. They light up the room and everyone is moved when their stories are told.”

All models from FHS fill out an application to be a participant in the fashion show. They pay a $50 fee and are given 10 tickets. Some students consider the charge as their donation to Riley Hospital. Others either sell the tickets for $5 a piece or give them to friends and family.

Each model showcases both formal wear as well as a casual outfit. About a week before the event, they visit a designated store to try on clothes and select what they will be wearing. The show is held in the main gym of Fishers High School, and the locker rooms are used for primping and changing clothes.

Businesses from the local community have stepped up to support the endeavor. Representatives from Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis will be on hand to do hair and makeup while the models are getting ready. Nothing Bundt Cakes is donating mini cakes to sell at the concession stand for pre-show munching. Laura Arick Photography will be snapping photos of the fashion show and capturing all of the night’s happenings. The UPS Store on Mundy Drive in Noblesville is also facilitating package delivery from vendors who supply clothing worn in the show.

“It’s a fun night that’s for sure,” Zastrow says. “Word of mouth has made it a very well-attended event. The whole school supports and is behind it. So many hands are on board to make it happen. Everyone knows their roles on this night and that helps make it a success.”

For more information on how to get involved with this year’s event, email Trisha Zastrow at fishershighschoolfashionshow@gmail.com.

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