HARTSVILLE — Fashion for a cause was on full display Saturday as the Hartsville Child and Family Resource Foundation held its annual H’Arts on the Runway on the lawn of the Coker University’s Drengaelen House. Hundreds of supporters took their seats under a spacious white tent to watch dozens of models, from toddlers and teens to moms and grandmas sashay down the runway outfitted in clothing from local retailers. Many of the children, most of whom were participants in the camps and programs offered by the Hartsville Child and Family Resource Center, chose to wear their own fashions.
Brandi Wheeler and WPDE chief meteorologist Ed Piotrowski served as the emcees for the event. Inside the Drengaelen House, merchants set up tables to display and sell their merchandise, from clothing and shoes to jewelry and other accessories. Among the businesses participating in the fashion show were The Bleu Daisy, Lilah B, Minnie’s Giftique, Turner and Scoot, Raised Down South, The Paper Doll and Miss Cocky from Columbia.
Following the fashion show, guests were encouraged to participate in a silent auction of artwork created by the children served by the Child and Family Resource Center. “What a beautiful day,” said Tracy Redfearn, founder and executive director of the Child and Family Resource Center. “Thank you all for the love and support you have shown our organization, but most importantly the love and support you have shown the children.
They are the reason why we are here today.” The mission of the Child and Family Resource Center is to be a voice of hope and healing for children and families all the while connecting them to educational and community resources for life success. Its emphasis is on empowering families in hopes of helping them heal from grief, trauma, and loss in their daily lives.
Throughout the year, the center offers camps and programs that allow children to play and connect with other children who are experiencing the same or similar emotional trauma. It also serves as a means of support and as an outlet to release or express their emotions. The center also offers resources for caregivers such as parenting classes, tutorials on writing resumes and connections to housing.
The center does two volunteer training sessions a year. Donations can be made on its website at https://www.childandfamilyresourcefoundation.
com/ . Bob Sloan is a person who possesses many titles: Veteran community journalist, Presbyterian pastor, husband, father, and grandfather. Please note the titles are not listed in order of importance.
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