Local Goodwill stores to host fundraiser Thursday at Jefferson Center

Second Runway will feature 66 outfits selected from the stores.

The Roanoke Times | File 2011

Clothes are selected at the Vinton Goodwill for a previous Second Runway event.

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Goodwill Second Runway

When: Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: Fitzpatrick Hall, Jefferson Center, Roanoke

Cost: $35 in advance or $40 at the door

Contact: www.goodwillvalleys.com

Rebecca Holland | 981-3138

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Spotlights, high fashion, models strolling the runway — you’ll find all these things at the upcoming Second Runway event hosted by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys.

The fourth annual fundraiser for the nonprofit will be held in Fitzpatrick Hall of Roanoke’s Jefferson Center on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. The show will feature 66 outfits selected from local Goodwill stores.

The theme: The people and clothing that have received a second chance thanks to Goodwill.

The 62 models chosen for the event will include Goodwill shoppers and supporters, as well as some familiar Southwest Virginia faces. WSLS (Channel 10) co-anchors John Carlin and Karen McNew will act as both models and emcees. Other recognizable models will include Goodwill program participants Thomas Bullard and Kathy Cheney, both of whom are in current TV commercials for the nonprofit.

Just as with previous years, the show will have different fashion segments. Styles will include: back to school, weekend, work, costumes, evening/cocktail wear and wedding/prom.

One of the top items is the piece you’ll see on McNew during the show: a Vera Wang dress found at Goodwill that still had the tags on it. The dress was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $230.

Between segments the audience will also hear the stories of local residents who have been given new opportunities thanks to Goodwill programs and training.

In addition to the fashion show there will also be a Goodwill boutique and silent auction. Some of the items were donated by local businesses but others are Goodwill finds, like a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, a Breitling Aeromarine Colt Chronometer and Juicy Crittoure by Juicy Couture Dog Perfume. Some of these products can be seen on the Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodwillvalleys.

There also will be a Pinterest section in the boutique.

Kelly Coleman, senior director of marketing and community relations at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, said that the organization’s Pinterest page (www.pinterest.com/goodwillvalleys) is very popular and the stores get a lot of shoppers looking for ideas. This will give shoppers a chance to buy products that were found at Goodwill and up-cycled into new pieces.

Shoppers can browse the boutique and start bidding at 5 p.m., prior to the fashion show, which will begin at 7 p.m. During this social time there will also be drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

After the show, many of the outfits worn by the models will be for sale, including the Vera Wang dress worn by McNew. According to Lucie Touchton, marketing manager for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, the dress is a specialty item and will be available to purchase for $49.95. Some of the other brands include Banana Republic, Nautica, Abercrombie & Fitch, LOFT, Anne Taylor, Talbots, Forever 21 and H&M.

“It’s amazing, a lot of stores that aren’t here in Roanoke you find the brands here at Goodwill,” Coleman said.

Monday, August 12, 2013