Model Youth Will Walk the Runway at The Westchester At the 'Caring Couture' Fashion Show Fundraiser Sat. Apr. 9 at 2pm

(Models shown are Leake-&-Watts-supported youth in Yonkers)

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to get ready to shed coats and change wardrobes! Maybe even consider a wardrobe do-over! So, here’s your chance to get some heavy-duty fashion inspiration from Banana Republic and Baby Gap. All you have to do is attend the Leake & Watts’ Caring Couture fashion show fundraiser at The Westchester, Saturday, April 9th at 2 p.m. It will be a terrific show. But best of all, guests will be inspired by the models on the runway—the young men and women who are turning their lives around, thanks to support from Leake & Watts.

Leake & Watts is an award-winning human services agency that supports more than 8,000 vulnerable children, adults, and families in the Greater New York area. Models for Caring Couture include teenagers and young adults who have experienced emotional trauma, require educational support, or have developmental disabilities. Some of the day’s fashion models are in Leake & Watts’ Mother & Child Program for young mothers in the foster care system. Yet, all of them are making strides to reach their individual goals through therapeutic intervention, including events such as this fashion show.

The afternoon is designed to provide fun for all. While the models get to dress up and be in the spotlight, guests will enjoy sparkling wine, light fare, and the fashion show. The audience also can purchase raffle tickets to win fabulous prizes contributed by Salon 421, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Westchester Wine Warehouse, Red Hat on the River, and The Art of Shaving, as well as other merchants. Leake & Watts will be auctioning off one extremely exclusive item: a chance to test-drive a luxurious Tesla Motor Car for 24 hours, courtesy of Tesla. Special thanks to Sephora, which will be supporting to the event as well.

Fun and Therapeutic

For members of the Leake & Watts Fashion Club, the Caring Couture Fashion Show is therapeutic as well as fun, explains Belinda Conway, Associate Executive Director of Leake & Watts. “Club members are serious about what they do. They study fashion, learn about hair and makeup, and master how to walk with confidence down a runway,” Ms. Conway says. “People tell them they look good. That does wonderful things for their self-esteem and confidence because, frankly, many of our youth have not heard much praise in their lives. We are teaching young people that they have great potential, that they can be successful. That’s a powerful thing.”

Tickets for Caring Couture are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All tickets purchased online before March 22 will be entered to win a special raffle prize. Tickets can be purchased online at www.leakeandwatts.org/caringcouture, by calling 914-375-8813, or emailing development@leakandwatts.org.

Caring Couture

Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 2 p.m.

The Westchester (Simon Malls)

125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains

Retail Level 1 by Nordstrom