Job Lot Sponsors Prom Fashion Show to Benefit Sojourner House

The following is an Ocean State Job Lot Press Release.

Ocean State Job Lot, a leading closeout retailer headquartered in Rhode Island with 115 stores in New England, New Jersey, and New York, announces its sponsorship of the fourth annual Laura Ink Prom Expo Fashion Show. The event promotes positive self-imagery and raises money and awareness for victims of domestic violence.

This year’s circus-themed fashion show, called “The Greatest Show on Earth,” will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at the Greenwich Odeum, located at 59 Main Street in East Greenwich. It features over 35 young Rhode Island women (ages 16-24) modeling prom wear from Sonya’s clothing boutique in Cranston, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Sojourner House in Providence. The Sojourner House is a nonprofit agency that offers advocacy and resources for domestic abuse victims.

The women will be modeling the latest in prom styles and all of the featured dresses will be available for purchase at Sonya’s, located at 766 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston. Students from the Toni & Guy Academy in Cranston are donating their talents in doing hair and make-up for the models. Also walking the runway again will be Jessica Marfeo, 2013’s Miss Rhode Island, who participated in last year’s fashion show.

East Greenwich resident Laura Sarlitto, owner of Laura Ink Photography, produces the annual events. Since its inception in 2011, she has designated the proceeds to a different charitable cause each time. “I am very grateful to have Ocean State Job Lot’s support for the 2015 Fashion Show. The event brings together many different women of all ages and organizations, all to support a worthy cause,” says Ms. Sarlitto. “One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to the Sojourner House to fund their programs, which include providing shelter, advocacy, referrals and other resources, along with violence prevention education programs.”

Ms. Sarlitto said the models are chosen from a casting call and then participate in a month-long training. She takes the women on photo shoots, helps them practice runway walks, and engages them in creative discussions. The end result is increased confidence. “Something blossoms in these young women in the process and it’s the most rewarding thing to be able to work with them from beginning to end,” she says.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2015 Laura Ink Prom Expo Fashion Show, click here or visit www.laurainkphotography.com. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.