FITCHBURG — The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts will host their second annual Beyond the Runway: Empowerment Through Style fashion show with proceeds to benefit the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program, supporting the next generation of leaders across North Central Massachusetts.
The fashion show will be on Saturday, March 28, from 3:45 to 8 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive.
This year’s “Carnival” theme invites bold colors, dramatic silhouettes, dynamic movement and imaginative storytelling to take center stage. Guests can expect a high-energy evening of fashion, live entertainment, carnival games, raffles and community connection. The event is recommended for guests ages 13 and above.
“Our goal with Beyond the Runway is to create a space where creativity and leadership come together,” said Quinn O’Connell, chair of the Future Leaders of North Central Massachusetts Leadership Committee and a Realtor with Keller Williams North Central. “Seeing young designers, students, and professionals collaborate on something exciting and elaborate while supporting the scholarship fund is a powerful reminder of the talent and potential we have right here in our region.”
“I hope these students continue to pursue amazing things and maybe one day even return to the chamber to get involved in a group like (Future Leaders) themselves. This organization has done so much for our community and has also had a meaningful impact on my own business, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it,” O’Connell said.
The fashion show will feature nine designers and more than 30 models, including high school students from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, Leominster High School, and St. Bernard’s High School.
Featured designers include Vieira Luxe Couture, Janini Designs, Michaela Lee Designs, S’mbles Designs, Make Shift Studios, LLeya P, Bella Donna Consignment Boutique, Daumos and a collection by Zoe Kerr, a student designer from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School.
The evening will be emceed by Erin Logan, a reporter for NBC 10, and David De Matteis, a Venezuelan journalist and a reporter for Noticiero Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, airing on WNEU Telemundo Boston.
Entertainment will include instrumentalist Shawn Mullins, aerial artistry by Aerialicious Entertainment’s Gina DeFretas, carnival games, a photo booth and live DJ music by 603 Beat Collaborative. Doors open at 3:45 p.m., with games and entertainment beginning at 4 p.m., the fashion show taking the stage at 5:30 p.m.
Raffle prizes include a ski and stay package from Great Wolf Lodge and Wachusett Ski Mountain, a dumpster rental from Bin There Dump That (valued at over $500), pickleball packages from Rt. 12 Pickle, spa prizes from Revital Med Spa (valued at over $200), golf at Ellinwood Country Club, Hanover Theater tickets, wellness packages from Empower Collective, an Adirondack chair, restaurant gift card, and automotive detail contributed by Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, with more prizes to be announced.
All proceeds will be dedicated to the Chamber Foundation’s Young Professional Scholarship program, which works to remove financial barriers and open doors for the next generation of community leaders across the region.
The event is made possible through the generous support of Community Champion Sponsor Great Wolf Lodge; Spotlight Sponsors Edward Jones and DMH Electric; Catering Sponsor E.L. Harvey & Sons; Carnival Sponsor Creative Events; and additional sponsors Fitchburg Access Television, 603 Beat Collaborative, Pop by Posh, and Hillside Florist & Gifts.
Tickets are on sale now. General admission is $35. A VIP Half Table (seats four) is $125 and a VIP Table of eight is $200, with appetizers, performances, the fashion show and a cash bar included. To register online or for more information, visit www.northcentralmass.com.
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