Sandy Hook resident Sophie Ackert, 12, has been organizing a charity fashion show to raise money for victims of last year’s devastating floods from Hurricane Irene – specifically, for the people in the town of Wilmington, Vermont. On Sunday, her event was held to great success, according to Sophie’s parents.
“I’m happy to report that while we are all exhausted, the event was a lot of fun and a huge success. It was attended by approximately 75 enthusiastic, supportive and generous people,” Dave Ackert, Sophie’s father wrote.
While the family resides in Sandy Hook, CT, they also have a vacation home in Wilmington. Sophie is an aspiring fashion designer, and as a “Mitzvah Project”, she decided to host a back-to-school themed charity fashion show. The community service project is in preparation for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah in October.
Sophie’s goal was to raise $1,000 to distribute to two charities that are helping families and businesses get back on their feet in Wilmington.
Many national and local brands and retailers donated clothing, outfits, gift cards, food, etc. “Our spare room has been filling up with thousands of dollars worth of clothing, accessories and gift cards from companies including Lee Jeans, Levis, Nike, Nautica, Pac Sun, Michael Kors, EMS, Anthropologie, Macy’s, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Jensen Automotive, Dunkin Donuts, LL Bean, www.iammaryann.com, www.willaskincare.com and others,” Ackert said.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 75 people attended the event at The Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown. In addition to enjoying the runway show, Sophie’s friends and neighbors participated by modeling outfits.
There was a raffle, silent auction, a clothing sale, and brunch was served, and people bid on runway outfits in a silent auction. A slide show was provided by the author of a book entitled “Goodnight Irene”.
Sophie far exceeded her fundraising goal for her charities in Wilmington, VT, and she will be delivering four huge boxes of new clothing to Twice Blessed, an all volunteer, non-profit consignment shop in Wilmington who will be distributing them to those in need, for free.
