SIDNEY — Amanda Frederick and Melissa Dawson, both of Sidney, get excited every time they think about May 14 this year.
That’s the day they’ll join fellow clients of the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCBDD) and local celebrities to model for the SCBDD Fashion Show Extravaganza in the Cameo Theatre at the Senior Center, 304 S. West Ave. The show will be open to the public. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the fashion show will begin at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.
What do Frederick and Dawson like the best?
“Trying clothes,” Frederick said.
“”All the different kinds of clothes and jewels,” Dawson added.
This is the second year that Jessica Guillozet, of Maplewood, has coordinated the event. It’s not designed to be a fundraiser; however, any donations that are made will be given the local Kiwanis Aktion Club to support community projects.
“I think it’s really important,” Guillozet said of the program. “We’re changing the face of beauty. It’s all shapes and sizes, not just size 0. It’s awesome in connecting people of all abilities to their community and letting people be proud of themselves.”
Frederick and Dawson will proudly wear outfits — dresses, shoes and jewelry — that they chose themselves at Peebles in Sidney.
“The models who receive SCBDD services will be able to keep their clothing,” Guillozet said. She has solicited donations from area sponsors to pay for the outfits.
The seven children who are among the 26 models will wear clothes from Matilda Jane Clothing. The youngest model is 6 months old. Celebrity models include Shelby County Deputy Sheriff Kelli Ward, SCBDD Superintendent Laura Zureich, Raise the Roof Executive Director Sarah Barr, Sidney/Shelby County YMCA Child Development Center Elizabeth Grace, retired teacher Donna Ruble and digital marketing strategist Ali Rittenhouse.
Village Salon beauticians will style the models’ hair. Stephanie Cost, a Mary Kay representative, will do their make-up. Joe Laber, of 105.5 TAM FM radio, will serve as master of ceremonies. Ushers will include Sidney Police Officer Mike McRill.
In addition to the fashions, a vendor show will begin at 2:30 p.m., featuring products from Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Aromatherapy, The Fair Trade, Spirit & Hands Art Studio, Bows by Misty, LuLaRoe Wear, Matilda Jane Clothing, Leabee Naturals, Baked by Tasha and Amanda Frederick Bookmarks.
The SCBDD models eagerly anticipate the event.
“I’m looking forward to having fun and looking pretty,” Dawson said.
“I want to have fun with my friends and sell my bookmarks and see how much money I can make,” Frederick said.
