Union Gospel Mission To Host Benefit Fashion Show

TIGARD, OR — To shine a light on homelessness, domestic violence, and addiction in the Portland metro region, officials with the Union Gospel Mission came up with a creative strategy: A tea party and fashion show.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Embassy Suites Washington Square, 9000 Washington Square Rd. in Tigard, Union Gospel Mission (UGM) officials will host the first Tea Party and Fashion Show to support the Mission's LifeChange transformative recovery program for women and children.

Since 1927, the UGM has provided meals and care for homeless folks in Portland and the metro region.

Thinking of ways to draw attention to these serious issues and highlight the women's and children's programs offered by the Mission, UGM spokeswoman Stacy Kean said the tea party and fashion show seemed like an easy way to introduce otherwise sobering topics in a way that's accessible to a variety of people from all walks of life.

"There are programs around town reaching out (to people in-need) — we're not the only one — but we need help," Kean told Patch on Friday. "If we can get more people to support us, we can help more people get off the streets and get the help they need."

Because the kinds of social problems addressed by the UGM are seen as daunting by many people for the lack of any real, tangible solutions, Kean and other UGM officials hoped to offer attendees a relatable way to see problems that are more often than not relegated to the shadows, and at the same time provide examples of ways to help.

"We're focused on solutions rather than the problems," Kean said. "(And) there are lots of people who want to help; they just don't know how. This is an easy way to put that first foot in."

The fashion show will feature clothing from the UGM's thrift store, located at 11611 S.W. Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, and will see KPDQ radio's Georgene Rice serve as emcee. Additionally, Kean said, two woman who are in the LifeChange program will model and walk in the show alongside students from West Linn High School, who are attending as representatives of Kelly Mooney Photography.

The event is free, but attendees will be asked to make a donation in support of the LifeChange program, Kean said, adding, "We're giving people a safe place to heal."

For more information about the event, visit ugmportland.org/tea, or contact Courtney Dodds at either courtneyd@ugmportland.org or 503-274-4483.

For anyone interested in serving as a UGM volunteer, a volunteer training is scheduled for Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. More information can be found on the UGM website (or by clicking on this link).

Photo Courtesy: Union Gospel Mission