I had the great opportunity of being the Emcee for a fashion show benefiting Goodwill's Friends and Family Network on Thursday night. The event was held at the beautiful home of Tom and Gwen Weihe.
Friends and Family Network is a group that works on behalf of people with disabilities. For many disabled individuals their needs are not met by any government programs so FFN helps to raise funds for them and helps with the Supported Living and Special Olympics programs at Goodwill Columbus. So I was naturally really excited to be a part of this event that has such a positive impact on so many individuals in my community. I knew it would be a fun event but I had no idea how touched I would be by getting to know this amazing group of people!
The coolest part of the event was that all of the models, the chefs who prepared the food for the evening, and the musicians were all people in the FFN that have some sort of disability.Let me tell you, they are some of the sweetest, most polite, and hilarious people I have ever met! They meet you once and they remember your name forever- I can't even do that! They have such a positive outlook on life that makes you reevaluate what is truly important in life. They were such a joy to work with!
the models practicing their runway route through the house
FFN President Al Kerze and I going over the scripts
the living room- the main setting for the evening
Me and my dear friend Charlene Kerze who helped organize the event
the male models lining up for the show
the models all dressed and waiting to go on
FFN President Al Kerze talking about the program
one of the Goodwill chefs
David, another one of the Goodwill chefs
Steve helps out with the FFN programs
Goodwill President Margie Pizzuti
Michelle Khourie did some amazing sigh language to song for us
And here I am Emceeing the fashion show
Me with model Jeff Brewer who won the gold medal around his neck in the Special Olympics in Greece for the 400 meter dash
This is Mandy Kerze looking pretty in pink
This is Steve Eramo who loves the LA Lakers and showed us his best shot
This is Chris McSwain. I loved how excited she was about her outfit! In the words of her husband Ken, she looked like a million bucks!
This is Ken McSwain in a dapper golf outfit complete with a golf club!
This is Jennifer Woda
This is Mike Messina
This is Molly Schluer
This is Mark Morgan
This is Jennifer Weihe
and this is Ben Rossiter
and me in my $5 DKNY dress from Goodwill!
Friends and Family Network is a group that works on behalf of people with disabilities. For many disabled individuals their needs are not met by any government programs so FFN helps to raise funds for them and helps with the Supported Living and Special Olympics programs at Goodwill Columbus. So I was naturally really excited to be a part of this event that has such a positive impact on so many individuals in my community. I knew it would be a fun event but I had no idea how touched I would be by getting to know this amazing group of people!
The coolest part of the event was that all of the models, the chefs who prepared the food for the evening, and the musicians were all people in the FFN that have some sort of disability.Let me tell you, they are some of the sweetest, most polite, and hilarious people I have ever met! They meet you once and they remember your name forever- I can't even do that! They have such a positive outlook on life that makes you reevaluate what is truly important in life. They were such a joy to work with!
What a fantastic event. And you looked great, especially in green.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great event! Wish they had one in my neck of the woods. I have a daughter with Down syndrome, and I must say she's amazing. I love that you are helping other people like her!
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