2/17/14 - Models paraded across the catwalk for a cause at the Johnson Center of Cleary University in Howell Sunday afternoon. More than 450 people turned out to see 36 local clothing designers put their imaginations to work creating outfits for the Runway Repurposed Fashion Show, the 6th annual fundraiser for the Howell Opera House. Designers began their projects a month ago, after choosing inspiring pieces of entirely donated clothing. A panel of 8 judges awarded first place to Josie Madzik, Sarah Corcoran, Geralyn Battle and Lori Dodds in young beginner, beginner student, beginner adult and advanced categories for their original creations. Leila Al-Qallaf, Abigail DeKoninck, Emily Matticks and Karen Rex came in second in the same categories. Among the judges was actress and author Melissa Gilbert who recently moved to Howell. Gilbert tells WHMI she enjoyed being a part of the event and engaging with her new community. The event also held a silent auction of some of the modeled outfits as an additional fundraiser as well as a tribute to Nancy Anderson, who was a co-chair to Runway Repurposed. Anderson was diagnosed with cancer last year and lost her battle against it this fall. While the final amount of proceeds from the fashion show has yet to be calculated, Blythe Patterson, President of the Livingston Arts Council, says âit is such a great programâ and their âmission is to bring arts and culture to Livingston Countyâ. (DK)
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