Loyola and Tulane students gathered for “Step Into Fasion” at Twiropa, last Friday, to raise $1,000 for tsunami victims. The fashion show and step show performed by university students brought in a crowd close to 200 people.
Proceeds will be sent to the Navajeevana Kudawella Plan of Operation, which is working to restore the lives of the tsunami victims. The cousin of Sonali Fernando, music business senior, runs the charity.
Fernando’s cousin, who is onsite in the disaster areas, is assisting in an 18-month plan to establish long-term progress to help those affected return to normal lifestyles.
“We must live for the living,” Fernando said.
Last year, Erin Brent, communications senior, and Heather O’Brien, music business senior, hosted a fashion show, and afterward, O’Brien suggested to Brent that they should hold another show.
The planning for their second show was underway before the tsunami hit. Once numerous reports of the tragic results of the tsunami came, Brent and O’Brien continued to plan the fashion show but then decided to give the profit to the victims.
“We were going to have the show anyway, but then once the tsunami came we wanted to help. We thought this would be a more creative way to raise money and awareness,” O’Brien said.
Both Brent and O’Brien agreed that a charity connected to Loyola would bring a personal element to the event.
They added a step show element to the night and created the title “Step Into Fashion” to incorporate both aspects of the evening.
The fashion show, featuring male and female Loyola and Tulane students, pumped up the crowd as each model made an appearance on the catwalk. The clothing, supplied by Press Men’s Wear, Vegas and Ah-ha!, brought excitement to the night as each model sported new fashions.
Alise Olivo, psychology sophomore and a severe fashion lover, modeled in the show. She said she is proud to be part of something that is for such a good cause.
Amanda Wuerstlin, music education junior, bought a ticket to cheer for her friends participating.
“I came to support my friends modeling and stepping, but it’s good to know that I am helping support tsunami victims, too,” Wuerstlin said.
Service fraternities from Loyola contributed in raising funds by compiling one of their famous step shows.
Johmyrin Johnson, chemistry senior, said that his fraternity pulls steps from created sets to make an appropriate show for their audience.
“We are combining what we always do for a good cause,” said Charles Lumar, music business senior.
The two stepping groups had a dance-off that brought cheers and laughs from the audience. They ended with a unified segment, proving their dedication and talent. The selected combinations entertained the audience similar to how the models did when they put individual flair into their part of the night.
“What made the show for me were the service fraternities, Sonali speaking and LUCAP supporting us,” O’Brien said.
Brent and O’Brien combined their skills for a night that resulted in an exciting time for all. The audience and the participants enjoyed themselves, and Brent and O’Brien said they achieved their monetary goal for charity.
The general feeling of the night was positive and energetic. Once the organized show was over, the majority of the crowd stayed to dance and socialize.
“We were really excited, but really nervous about the night,” Brent said. “We are so happy with the way it turned out and the support we got from campus. We are so thankful for everyone’s support.”
Colleen Mahoney can be reached at [email protected].
