Upcoming “From Runaway to the Runway” Fashion Gala to feature and benefit local youth

Local youth are already preparing for the 5th Annual From Runaway to the Runway Fashion Gala in September. This glamorous, fun-filled evening recognizes the accomplishments of these young women and celebrates how far participating girls have come.

This year’s fashion gala, themed, “It’s Never too Late for Happily Ever After,” takes place on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Harrison Hotel, located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The after-five event is held each year by Miracles Outreach Community Development Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has offered foster and mentoring services to more than 4,000 youth, especially human trafficking victims and those who have been abused or homeless, since its founding in 2000.

From Runaway to the Runway centers around a fashion show featuring these youth who have pulled through unstable pasts with the help of Miracles Outreach services and publicly recognizes how far they have come.

It offers these young women a chance to dress up with individually fitted gowns and professional makeup and hair styling to celebrate a formal evening that may also serve as a substitute for missed proms, homecomings, quinceañeras, and other celebrations.

While From Runaway to the Runway is a lighthearted event, Miracles Outreach shares its commitment to battle human trafficking by using fashion, a common, everyday part of life, as a platform to educate the public about human trafficking’s often-forgotten reality.

Along with the fashion show, this celebration begins with a cocktail reception and will also include raffles, guest speakers, and live music. Miracles Outreach will also acknowledge and thank community partners and sponsors whose support and cooperation help make Miracles Outreach’s goals possible.

Miracles Outreach currently runs three group homes for girls and continues to expand services to more youth. A portion of the gala’s proceeds will help Miracles purchase property for another group home for girls.

This event is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased at from-runaway-to-runway.eventbrite.com.

Sponsorship options are also available. Donations and volunteers will be needed and greatly appreciated as well.

If you would like to help or learn more, please call Miracles Outreach at 813-374-2184 or email MiraclesOutreach@gmail.com.