Prom is an important concern for a lot of fashion-minded high school students at this time of year, but in Pickerington, charity has been on their minds, too.
For six years, Olde Pickerington Village-based David Beckham Photography has held an annual fashion show, featuring spring fashions and prom dresses.
Photos courtesy of David Beckham Photography
As models, owner David Beckham uses participants in his Senior Model Program, which recruits students in grades 10-12. They participate in multiple photo shoots throughout the year and earn service hours volunteering at local nonprofits such as Faith Mission and the Community Kitchen.
There are now 36 girls from 15 area high schools in the program.
“The fashion show was just something I wanted to do to reward the senior models,” Beckham says. “Around 80 people showed up that (first) year.”
This year’s show was held Feb. 19 at C3 Church. As usual, proceeds from ticket sales went toward the volunteer work the models do as part of the program.
“I cover all of the costs of the show, so 100 percent of the $10 ticket cost goes toward buying food,” Beckham says. “Many people buy tickets to show support for the models.”
In 2015, the students were able to volunteer four times at east Columbus-based Community Kitchen, which serves up to 300 people, and almost once a month at downtown Columbus’ Faith Mission. They provided the food for those they served with the $4,500 raised from the spring fashion show. The models also make a donation to Risen Son Ministries, part of Brace Fellowship in Pickerington, and volunteer there once or twice a year.
“I have been involved with Faith Mission for over 20 years, so it seemed like a perfect combination to combine the fashion show with the fundraiser for the senior models,” Beckham says. “Parents love it.”
All of the gowns worn for the show were donated or lent by boutiques in and around central Ohio. These include Be Social in Gahanna, Uniquely Yours in Circleville, Fashion Story in Lancaster and Gowntastic in the Beechwold area. Lubna Designs, an international custom design shop based in Columbus, provided some pieces to the show as well.
“Each donation gives twice, because it buys food for the homeless and gives the kids an opportunity to serve,” says Beckham.
Jessie Weidner, a junior from Pickerington Central High School, started working with Beckham a year ago, so this was her second time participating in the fashion show.
“I didn’t really know how to get involved in the community before working with Beckham,” Weidner says. “I always try to get my friends involved. Before this program, I was really shy, and now I’ve broken out of my shell. You meet great people, do great things and get to help the community out.”
For Weidner, the fashion show is one of the highlights of being a senior model.
“You get to wear beautiful dresses and clothes and walk down a runway in front of your family and friends,” she says.
This year’s show was sold out, with more than 600 people attending and over $8,000 raised.
“The most important thing for me isn’t the fashion show – it’s the preparing meals and doing all the work in between – and that’s why I’m doing it,” says Beckham.
Gabrielle Benton is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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