REACH Fashion Show to feature familiar faces

Each year in October members of the community gather at the REACH Thrift Store to model thrift store clothing, while at the same time observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"It's a fun event with a serious intent," said Sandy Frazier, director of Community Outreach. "It's a time for laughter and fellowship while also learning about the problem of domestic violence."

After the free show, a two-hour shopping spree, with everything 10 percent off, will be held, according to store manager Norma McClure.

"I've been putting back a lot of great outfits, everything from children's clothing to adult men's wear for the show," McClure said. "We also have a great collection of Halloween costumes for the annual Halloween parade."

Models from the community ­ including children, teens, college students, and older adults ­ model work and casual wear, as well as dress and formal clothing. All ensembles modeled have been donated to the thrift store to help raise funds for local REACH programs.

REACH of Jackson County was founded in 1978 as a grassroots, all-volunteer organization as one of the first programs in North Carolina to address the problems of domestic violence and sexual assault. REACH continues to play a vital role in the community and next year commemorates 25 years of service to Jackson County.

In the early years REACH provided basic services, such as a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and both crisis and long-term counseling. Later the organization expanded into community education, opened the thrift store, established the Community Table feeding program, and provided job and life skills training.

Last year, in addition to constructing and implementing the REACH Village, a $1.2 million transitional housing program, the organization provided services to nearly 800 men, women and children.

"Each year the fashion show has gotten bigger and better," said Jean Bockstahler, REACH executive director. "We invite all members of the community to join us for a great show and to commemorate the fight against domestic violence."

Back to Archive: 10/10/02.