Last year, the Cloud 9 Fashion Show paid for 10 children who had been severely abused to each receive one year’s worth of counseling at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County (CACDC).
Child survivors who are in ongoing counseling are less likely to be revictimized, less likely to engage in delinquent behavior, and more likely to lead a healthy and productive life, according CACDC Executive Director Dan Leal.
That is just one example of many instances of lives being changed due to an idea that was conceived ten years ago and has resulted in over a half million dollars being given to local charities.
A group of volunteers that plans the Cloud 9 Charities Fashion Show has grown from a core group of three to more than 20, and the money raised stays right here in southern Denton County.
Right now, these volunteers are working feverishly in preparation for the 10th Annual Style Show, which is set for November 10th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville.
Fun, Fashion and Fundraising … it’s one amazing night for four great charities.
A silent auction begins the evening at 5:30 p.m. and is followed with a live auction and fashion show at 7:30, then casino games and dancing until 1:30 a.m.
This year, raffle tickets are being sold for a custom built motorcycle, and the winning ticket will be drawn at the Fashion Show. “La Nina Dondo”, a one off custom motorcycle, was donated to Cloud 9 Charities by Victor Myers Custom Homes as part of their annual Give Back campaign.
The title sponsor for the fashion show is once again CornerStone Staffing. In addition, Lead Concepts, www.playeatstaypk.com, Champion Management, Point Bank, Longacre Construction, Bookkeeper Girl, Domino’s Pizza, Everything Local Directory, Strada Fitness, and Harley Davidson are supporting the 2012 Fashion Show as sponsors.
The annual fun and fast paced style show that showcases fashions and accessories from local businesses is one of two major fundraisers that Cloud 9 Charities sponsors each year to raise money to support existing programs and create new ones that help local children and their families.
Everyone agrees many lives have been changed through this charity and the support of the community. This year, Cloud 9 Charities has chosen four local non-profits that will benefit from the money raised at the upcoming fashion show, and they are PediPlace, The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E., Court Appointed Special Advocates of Denton County (CASA), and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County (CACDC).
The mission of PediPlace is to make healthcare a reality for every kid, and PediPlace Executive Director Larry Robbins said the Cloud 9 Charities Fashion Show helps them move ever closer to achieving their mission.
“Fashion show funds provide resources that help PediPlace serve 40 newborn children each month with preventive health care immunizations and also provide a comforting healing place when they are sick. Cloud 9 Charities enhances our ability to increase the number of children PediPlace can provide accessible and affordable healthcare to each year and we and the children of North Texas are grateful for ten years of continuing support. Together, we are making healthcare a reality for every kid,” he said.
Another local non-profit that will gain funds and support from this year’s fashion show is The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E., which was founded by Double Oak resident Lucia Bone after her sister in Florida was brutally raped and murdered by a twice convicted sex offender that had previously come into her home to clean her air ducts.
The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E. educates consumers and employers on the Dangers of Not Knowing Who You Hire, and the importance of annual complete criminal background checks on anyone working or volunteering with vulnerable populations or near consumers’ homes.
Bone said companies that are C.A.U.S.E. Certified conduct annual background checks on the workers they send into your home.
“The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E. protects you and your family, one service worker at a time. Proceeds from the 10th Annual Fashion Show will allow you to continue to search for safer workers, to better protect you and your loved ones, for free on the C.A.U.S.E. website,” said Bone.
The fourth charity chosen this year is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) that provides court advocacy services for abused and neglected children in Denton County.
Their executive director Sherri Gideon said it costs CASA approximately $1,500 to provide services to a CASA child for a year.
“Proceeds of the New York Style Fashion Show from Cloud 9 Charities have enabled CASA to provide services to 26 children at a time when the number of children entering foster care is rising and the support from traditional funding sources is declining,” said Gideon.
“We are truly grateful for the support from the community through sponsorship and support of the Fashion Show and are excited about being a part of this event again in 2012.”
The annual Fashion Show came to fruition, in part, because of local businesswoman Kim Cloud’s desire to give back to the community with an event that would showcase her business, Cloud 9 Salon and Spa in Flower Mound.
“Since that time, the Fashion Show has grown into a premier event, and many of those involved have been a part of the event for all ten years,” reflects Cloud.
Mark Wagner has served as MC since the show’s inception, Colleen Drew has provided professional photography, Bob and Linda Poer have provided DJ services, Paula Wagner has managed the show, and Cloud 9 Salon and Spa has lead the group of volunteers who create hair styles for the models.
Eleven local stores will provide the fashions for the 2012 Fashion Show, and Bridal Boutique in Lewisville has participated in every one of the shows. Joining Bridal Boutique are American Eagle Harley Davidson, Banana Republic, Beasley’s, Buckle, Chicks Dig it…and Guys do too!, Francesca’s, Harley Davidson of North Texas, Inspire Yoga Studio, Men’s Wearhouse and Old Navy. Over 100 models donate their time to walk the runway.
In order to make this year’s fashion show a success, Cloud 9 Charities needs help from many individuals, businesses and organizations. You can volunteer time, donate money, or serve as a sponsor of the event. For more information, visit www.cloud9charities.org. You can purchase tickets for the raffle of the custom built motorcycle at Cloud 9 Salon and Spa at 1651 FM 407 in Flower Mound or by calling 469-265-7026.
Pictured above: Colleen Drew, Amy Jenkins, Jeanne Merenda, Mark Wagner, Mary Martinez, Paula Wagner, Melinda Stephens
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