FORT WORTH, TEXAS (March 26, 2024) – Goodwill North Central Texas’ Project Goodwill will return on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth.
This fashion show, design competition and fundraiser gala will task 16 aspiring designers from the community with designing wearable garments using $100 worth of unconventional materials from local Goodwill stores and presenting those looks in a runway show. Over the years, participants have used materials including lampshades, album covers, a trampoline, suitcases, tin-foil pans, air filters and even adult diapers to complete their looks. Contestants compete for top honors in design materials and method, and runway presentation. First place and people’s choice in the 2023 event went to Kate Oxley, who designed a dress using clear plastic shower curtains, white sun hats, and even plastic Goodwill shopping bags to complete her look. Her look visually shared the 121-year history and the good work of Goodwill.
“Each year, contestants push the boundaries of fashion, transforming everyday items into runway-ready looks that captivate and inspire. From whimsical to avant-garde, their creativity knows no bounds.,” said Shay Gipson, Vice President of Community Engagement. “At Goodwill, we take pride in our role as one of North Texas’s leading advocates for recycling. By spotlighting innovative ways to repurpose everyday household items and clothing, we’re driving home the importance of reusing and upcycling in our ongoing mission to promote sustainability.”
The 2024 fashion show will be hosted by Anthony Elle, winner of Project Runway All Stars, Season 6 and star of HGTV’s Rock the Block. The fashion show will be judged by industry professionals including 2023 winner of Project Goodwill Kate Oxley; Director of Customer Care for Kendra Scott, Lyndsay Baylor; Professor of Theatre Arts at Texas Wesleyan University, Joe Allen Brown; Plus-Size Reseller and Body-Positive Activist, Dearrine Morrow (@thedivaofcurvestx); and Design Consultant, Kanani Mahelona.
All proceeds from Project Goodwill 2024 will go toward the expansion of Goodwill’s S.T.A.R.S. program. S.T.A.R.S., which stands for Skills Training Achieves Results, is a unique day program for adults with disabilities that recreates daily living scenarios through an interactive, realistic environment. Participants rotate between different places such as the apartment, general store, town square, art studio and fitness center. Each different place gives participants a chance to learn real life skills while having fun and interacting with staff and participants. The curriculum is designed to help participants overcome their disadvantages and achieve maximum independence.
The 2023 event raised more than $30,000 for the cause.
Those without a ticket can watch a livestream beginning at 7:30 p.m. at
www.YouTube.com/@GoodwillNCT. Learn more at about the event at
www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org/Project-Goodwill.
About Goodwill North Central Texas
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill provides education, training and job placement and believes that it’s worth celebrating!
Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 26 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community.
Education, training and job placement programs for individuals with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, at-risk youth, our veterans and people experiencing homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where every person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living. For more information, please visit www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org.