Some of the models back stage before show time.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, guests gathered at TOOTSIES in Preston Center to watch the fourth annual ESTEEM Fashion Show benefitting The Elisa Project.
Over 200 patrons came to watch friends, family and celebrity guests model the latest fall trends. The event was founded by Rhonda Sargent Chambers, who has produced all four ESTEEM shows with her company RSC Show Productions.
Leading this year’s efforts were co-chairmen Pam Skaggs Frank and her daughter, Bridget Frank. They worked closely with a host committee to sell out the fashion show and raised over $10,000 for The Elisa Project. Funds generated at the event will go directly to programming needs. Dr. Stephanie Setliff gave an agency overview explaining that eating disorders are not selective in their victims. This is a disease that affects many and can strike at any time. Debbie Denmon served as celebrity hostess again this year. Store manager Nerissa von Helpenstill led the audience through the fall trends as the models showed off a variety of fashions.
Sponsors included AK Kitchen, Amanda Sterett Jewelry, DJ Jason Esquire, Facelogic, Hilton Anatole Veranda Club, RSC Show Productions, Smartwater, Terlingo Go Cycle, UBER and Xen-Tan. The Elisa Project is grateful to the generosity of all the attendees and sponsors.
About The Elisa Project:
In 1997, Rick and Leslie McCall established the Elisa Ruth McCall Memorial Endowment at Southern Methodist University in Dallas in memory of their daughter Elisa. She was a vibrant 20-year-old college student who, like many her age, suffered the pain of an eating disorder and recorded her struggle in her personal journal. She had hoped to reach out to others, but found her own struggle too great and ultimately took her own life. The publication of her journal has inspired many in her community to rally around the cause of combating eating disorders.
For more information about The Elisa Project, please click here. Please call 214-369-5222 for more information or to get involved.
Story and photos courtesy of Tanya Foster. All photos by Joseph Brewster.