HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services had over 200 guests at its “Slay II” Fashion Show on Thursday, July 13 at Sanders Studios, featuring young men and women in care.
(Brooklyn, NY)—HeartShare St. Vincent’s hosted its “Slay II” Fashion Show featuring and benefitting its young men and women in foster care at Sanders Studios on Thursday, July 13.
For young men and women in care, walking down the runway is a staging area for confidence in college and career. “I’ve seen my friends model and enter competitions. I’ve always wanted to try it,” shared Ericka, who is completing her Associate’s degree at LaGuardia Community College. “I gained the confidence I need to get started in broadcast journalism,” she said.
Another American Dream Program (ADP) Scholar Timothy, who has participated in the “Slay” event for the past two years, developed confidence that he brought back to the classroom. Studying business this past year, Timothy found that his favorite class is public speaking.
The event raised funds for youth development programming, including HSVS American Dream tuition scholarships for college and vocational school. Youth Development Programs also connect young people in foster care to much needed resources, like in-house workshops on how to budget, cook and manage the competing demands of college life.
The “Slay II” Fashion Show is a staging area for success in college and career. Ericka has been inspired to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
HeartShare St. Vincent’s American Dream Scholar Timothy, who studied business this past year at LaGuardia Community College, brought his confidence from the runway to his public speaking class.
In addition to the runway show, the sixteen participating models performed a spoken word selection. The event also featured “Cocktails for a Cause,” a social hour hosted by the HSVS Junior Board, a group of young professionals volunteering their time to support the agency’s development and programming efforts.
Former ADP Scholar and founder of Foster Care Unplugged, Melody Centeno was a leading organizing force behind the “Slay II” event. Some of New York based designers and stylists who offered their time and couture, include Ann Claire Millinery & AYEWONSI, Dleak Bow, Rockthalook and Shannon Shenone. NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner David Hansell and Councilman Stephen Levin also attended to support our youth.
For more photos from the event, take a look at our Facebook album. To contribute to HSVS Youth Development Programs, including the American Dream Program, please visit https://hsvsnyc.org/take-action/donate/.
(left to right) NYC ACS Commissioner David Hansell and Councilman Stephen Levin were among the community supporters at the “Slay II” event on Thursday, July 13th. HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services Executive Director Dawn Saffayeh at center.