Fashion show benefits local dress shop
ROCHESTER — Models showed off formal wear in “A Time to Shine,” a benefit fashion show held Sunday at the Governor's Inn, to help provide vocational training for developmentally disabled adults and also to be able to continue supplying prom dresses for girls who may not be able to afford to buy their own.
“When this idea came to my attention I never thought I'd see such community support and I thank all of you for coming,” said Brian Collins, executive director of Community Partners, the agency supporting the fashion show. “Part of what we do is assist people with disabilities who want to find employment and training. A lot of that is done through our store, A Formal Affair.”
Collins thanked the many sponsors who made the show possible, and those who worked to develop A Formal Affair.
All hair styles for the models were done by Tresses Hair Salon, of Rochester, as a donation to the project. Anthony Ejarque, owner of Governor's Inn, served as emcee for the day.
The show featured formal, business and casual wear from A Formal Affair and two local boutiques, Cynthia's Designs Studio, of Newmarket and Kali Klass, of Dover. Both boutiques supplied clothing and models as did A Formal Affair. Some of the teen models came from the Arts in Reach (AIR) program, said Jane Hamar, coordinator for A Formal Affair.
For those who still think white can't be worn after Labor Day, think again. Winter white was a definite color of the seasonal show.
The final event featured a bride and groom. Both Shayne Sutton and Eliza Dodd are members of the vocation programs through Community Partners, and newly engaged. Eliza may have found her calling. She modeled several outfits for A Formal Affair and really enjoyed the runway.
Hamar said working as a part of Community Partners, A Formal Affair is a vocational training program for adults with developmental disabilities who are interested in a job in the retail fields.
“We also took over the Cinderella Project,” said Hamar. “We provide prom dresses free to girls who cannot afford one. The program goes to all New Hampshire High Schools. The guidance department staff of each school provides us with names and the girls get a voucher to come in for a free dress and accessories.”
All dresses are donated to A Formal Affair, located at 43 North Main St. in Rochester, so the program relies heavily on community support.
“We will take donations of new and slightly used dresses,” said Hamar. “We get donations from Bridal Stores around the state. In addition to prom dresses we sell bridal gowns, mother of the bride dresses and dresses for events like homecoming.”
Bridal dresses for women in the military or military brides are another free service offered by A Formal Affair.
Adults in the vocational program work in the store and receive training on several jobs in retail that are suitable. Hamar said the adults can then go into any retail store and apply for a job on their own.
“When the Cinderella Project dissolved their non-profit they donated their inventory to us,” said Jennifer Flannery, development and communications coordinator for Community Partners. “This past prom season, we donated more than 200 prom dresses across the state.”
Music for Sunday's fashion show was provided by Kathy Boisclair, of Kathy Boisclair's Piano and Voice Studio, with two of her students, RJ Wood and Brooke Marston.
To make a donation, call A Formal Affair at 603-994-1173. To learn more about the programs offered by Community Partners, visit www.communitypartnersnh.org.
