Police, Community Team Up For Fashion Speaks On The Creek

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- The Johns Creek Civitan Club, in conjunction with the Jonny and Xena Spread the Words Foundation, held its Fashion Speaks on the Creek fashion show on Sunday at Johns Creek High School.

Approximately 50 special needs individuals ranging in age from 6 to 86 strutted and showed off their fashion sense in clothes provided by Belk.

Each participant was escorted on the catwalk by a member of the Johns Creek Police Department.

“We first came upon this idea after this spring’s Special Needs Prom,” said Glenn Rudh, president of the Johns Creek Civitan Club. “We observed how much these individuals enjoyed getting dressed up. Officer Kirk “Capt. Kirk” Harth of the Alpharetta Police Department mentioned to us he had attended a similar show in the area, and noted that the participants had a blast doing it."

Linda Hickey, president of the Jonny and Xena Spread the Words Foundation and a member of the Johns Creek Civitan Club, was instrumental in securing the assistance of Belk in providing the clothes for the show, as well as production coordination.

Hickey also secured an invaluable sponsorship from United Community Bank, and worked tirelessly to recruit the participants, as well as raffle and silent auction items. The Johns Creek Police Department is already a big supporter of special needs issues, as the agency each year serves as a leading fundraiser for Georgia Special Olympics.

More than 20 volunteers, including members of the Johns Creek Civitan Club, were on hand to assist with the show.

The Jonny and Xena's Spread the Words Foundation is a 501 (c)3 non-profit benefiting animal rescue and autism awareness. The Foundation is involved with Junior Civitan Clubs, Protecting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) chapters, and "Homeless Pet" clubs in schools, learning about Xena and Jonny's story, autism, and the importance of pet rescue.

For more information about Johns Creek Civitans, email Tanya Walsh at tanya.walsh@johnscreekga.gov.

Photos: Participants at the Fashion Speaks on the Creek line up on the red carpet prior to the event at Johns Creek High School. Credit: Johns Creek Civitan Club