Volunteer models recently walked the runway at the fourth annual Fashion Show & Bazaar to benefit New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, showcasing showstopping apparel created by four area designers as a way of encouraging people to “be your own kind of spectacular.”
The sold-out event at the Quail Valley River Club drew the attention of more than 325 fashionistas, with a waitlist of another 60 people hoping to get in. Those who made the cut enjoyed an evening perusing and buying an array of clothing, jewelry, skincare and accessories from area vendors before settling down poolside for the fashion show.
In addition to showcasing the fabulous designs of Kristen Alyce, Randy Gary, Kallee Jackson and Sabre Mochachino, the 35 models had earlier sold event tickets, solicited auction items and brought sponsors onboard.
Bedecked in a gown created by one of the designers, Anna Valencia Tillery reigned over the festivities with her usual style and upbeat personality. The evening was also peppered with original music, testimonials and live finger-painting.
“Thank you for understanding, now more than ever, the importance of celebrating mental awareness together,” said Tillery. “It certainly helps to hear how needed the services are and how it can affect us, no matter our age, gender, income or race.”
The evening was dedicated by sponsor Michael Thorpe to his late wife and presented by Nila Moylan under the direction of committee chair Laura Guttridge.
“This evening’s event is dedicated to the loving memory of my wife, Kimberly Thorpe. The most fashionable, beautiful, fun-loving and passionate woman I have ever known,” said Thorpe. “Thank you for supporting this important organization in our beautiful community.
Thank goodness there are agencies like New Horizon available to us.”
New Horizons of the Treasure Coast offers mental health and substance abuse programming in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Proceeds from the fashion show will help fund programs and services in Indian River County.
“Fashion is beautiful; the road to recovery not so pretty,” said Lisa Rymer, NHTC chief development officer. “Some wounds never heal. There are scars and tears and relapse and divorce, but somewhere along the way, if there is access to services and a willingness to get help, then every individual in our community has the opportunity to experience quality of life, to live with dignity, and to be their own kind of spectacular.”
Prior to its opening in 1958, said Rymer, there were very few options for people who needed help, adding: “You either went to jail or didn’t get help.”
Today, New Horizon provides outpatient and inpatient care for children and adults, minorities, LGBTQ communities, first responders and veterans through behavioral and primary healthcare services to help improve the quality of life in our community through its mental and physical wellness programs.
The nonprofit currently serves 15,000 children and adults across the four counties, regardless of their ability to pay. An additional 20,000 students in grades K-12 benefit through their school based anti-violence, drug and alcohol programs.
With more than 50 percent of New Horizons’ clients having no source of income or insurance, Rymer said that fundraisers such as the fashion show ensure that no one is turned away due to lack of financial services.
Citing statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association, Rymer pointed out that pre-COVID, one in five Americans dealt with mental health issues; a number that has doubled throughout the pandemic.
“At the beginning of COVID, we did not see a spike in mental health calls because everyone was so worried about food and shelter. Then the crisis calls started coming,” said Rymer. She added that the psychiatric impact of a disaster doesn’t hit until 12 to 18 months afterward, according to a FEMA report.
For more information, visit nhtcinc.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
