Fashion and design aficionados are in for a huge treat Saturday as the Spa City Fashion Show makes its debut in Hot Springs.
Organizers hope the inaugural event will jump-start fundraising for the 2024 Princess Scholarship Ball, hosted annually by the Princess Mentoring and Scholarship Program. The program is in its fourth year and helps cultivate leadership skills in young women in grades nine through 12 in the Spa City, according to founder Adrienne Cobb-Conley.
The event also will serve as the kickoff for the recruitment of new students, mentors, educators and board members for the 2024 program year. Each year, the Princess program awards more than $5,000 in academic scholarships as well as other awards, benefits and recognition.
“This remarkable fashion event serves as a vital pillar of support for the educational dreams of our talented local youth,” Cobb-Conley said. “To date, we have proudly granted more than $9,500 in scholarships, spanning from $500 to $2,000 each, with students attending various colleges and universities across the country.”
Cobb-Conley said the Princess program, which featured 10 young women last year, is very similar to the debutante process with a notable exception. It focuses on life skills and lessons that will help young women be more successful as they move into college, the workplace and life, in general.
Cobb-Conley said roughly 85% of former program participants are attending college or are in the workplace.
“We are dedicated to fostering the growth of our young community members through a comprehensive range of services including educational workshops, college searches and preparation guidance, career-readiness programs, mentorship from respected community leaders, and, notably, invaluable scholarship opportunities,” she said.
“Our aim is to empower these young minds with the essential social and workplace skills required to forge brighter futures for themselves and our community.”
The fashion show – themed “Glitz & Glam” — kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hot Springs School District’s Main Street Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School Auditorium at 701 Main St. It will feature runway models as well as fashion designers from across Arkansas.
Notable participants include:
Ashton Hall, who’s known for collaborations with top designer brands such as Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret Direct, Alvin Valley, and GF Brand in Paris, France.
Tremaine Pollydore, the founder of the Maine Attraction by Tpollydesigns clothing line.
Dr. Lacie Cupani, a former research scientist who founded the crochet-based Cupani Fashion.
And 15-year-old designer James Clark III, who initiated a T-shirt business called His Legacy 718, aimed at aiding the homeless.
Cumulus Radio personality Sonta Jean and Princess board member Amanda Rasberry will host the show. The event also will feature boutique vendor booths. The designers will be available to take custom orders.
“The Spa City Runway Fashion Show stands as a testament to the strength of our community when we unite in support of our youth,” Cobb-Conley said. “We extend an invitation to everyone to join us in this celebration, where fashion meets philanthropy, and dreams take flight.”
Cobb-Conley said she is proud of the consistent support from local businesses and friends and family of the young women in the program, whom she refers to as H.E.R.O.E.S. — Help Communities Elevate through Resources, Outreach, Education and Scholarships.
In particular, she thanked Neal and Rose Gladner for their program support and donations to the Dress for Success Program.
“In the spirit of unity and giving back, we encourage local businesses, organizations, and individuals to consider becoming sponsors, donors, or volunteers for this extraordinary youth-development program,” Cobb-Conley said. “Together, we can help Unlimited Resources create a lasting impact on the lives of our community’s youth and underscore the significance of pursuing higher education.”
The event offers three ticketing stages:
The VIP Hour is priced at $30 (4 p.m.-5 p.m.).
General admission is available for $20 (5 p.m.-5:45 p.m.).
Students with valid school IDs will be charged $10 (5 p.m.-5:45 p.m.) at the door only.
For donations or additional information, call ACE at 501-444-2799 or email [email protected] or visit the website at http://www.UnlimitedResourcesHS.org.
