A group of women in New Albany uses fashion for philanthropy every fall.
While the New Albany Women’s Network always holds its annual charity fashion show in November, this year’s theme–a fashion show and tea party– is a little different.
The 2013 fashion show. Photo courtesy of NAWN.
The show will be hosted by Jefferson Country Club, also a departure from past years. It will start with a silent auction, during which appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available, complete with a signature drink. In keeping with the theme, there will also be a hot tea bar. Speakers and presentations will follow the silent auction. New Albany’s own Ellie Merritt of NBC Channel 4 will anchor the fashion show this year.
The piéce de rèsistance, the fashion show, is last. The fashion show portion is facilitated in part by New Albany and Columbus boutiques, including Belles and Beaux Children’s, Cheesecake Boutique, Ladybird and Pure Barre. The pieces featured will be current and chic, with an emphasis on the fall and winter months.
The fashion shows usually raise about $15,000 for the chosen charity, and some 250 people will attend this year’s show. All proceeds will go directly to this year’s beneficiary, 1girl. The charity was founded at The Ohio State University and consists mostly of college-aged members who volunteer their time. 1girl members will be participating in the event as speakers, as well as models in the fashion show.
1girl works with middle school-aged girls around Columbus. The girls are taught skills such as
The 2013 fashion show. Photo courtesy of NAWN.
critical thinking, conflict resolution, goal setting and public speaking. It helps young girls develop the skills to succeed in high school and beyond, and to explore leadership roles and skills to emerge as strong and confident young women.
“We love their mission and what they’re trying to do within the OSU community,” says Terri Erlenbach, communications director and fashion show chairwoman. “Our organization is trying to enrich New Albany and Columbus at the same time, so it’s a great fit for us.”
While one of NAWN’s main goals is strengthening the New Albany community, the main mission of its charity work has always been focusing specifically on helping women and children in central Ohio. Most of the charities it works with directly benefit that demographic.
NAWN works with organizations in New Albany and Greater Columbus. It also earmarks a special fund for New Albany-specific causes, such as scholarships for local students and funding for New Albany’s Safety Town program.
NAWN is a dual social and charitable foundation. Social events may include casual get-togethers at a member’s house or local restaurant, or larger, more formal events. But many of these social gatherings double as philanthropic opportunities.
“In August, we had an accessory swap,” says President Heather Buchanan. “Everyone brought a piece to be donated to the organization Dress for Success.”
In September, members collected donations for the Village Coalition Against Hunger.
The charities NAWN works with are chosen through an application process. The only criterion is that charities applying must benefit central Ohio women and children in some way. From there, a process to whittle down applicants begins, culminating in a vote by the board.
In general, the chosen charities are smaller organizations with less fundraising capacity than larger, more established ones.
NAWN was founded in 1998 by 10 women who had a vision of fostering a sense of
Photo courtesy of NAWN
The current NAWN board
community and philanthropy in New Albany. As the organization ages and expands, it is trying to maintain its tradition and consistency while at the same time keeping up with the times and the needs of the community. The past year has seen an increase in social media use for the organization, and preparation for a new website. Cycling through new leadership every two years keeps the organization ready with new ideas and fresh energy. Almost 300 women are members.
This year NAWN is in the process of putting out its very own cookbook as a fundraiser. Keeping in touch with its roots in the community, the organization is hoping to get local restaurants to contribute recipes alongside their own members’ recipes. Another new project will be a holiday gift drive held in partnership with New Albany-Plain Local Schools.
“NAWN is a great group of women; it’s great to work side by side with them for what we’re doing,” Buchanan says. “It’s also a great way to get to know people here (in New Albany).”
If You Go
The New Albany Women’s Network’s Charity Fashion Show and Tea Party will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 14 at Jefferson Country Club in Blacklick. Tickets are available at www.nawn.org. Attendees can buy individual tickets for $45, or book a table of 10 for $400.
Taylor Woodhouse is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
