Salvation Army's "Garbage Bag Gala" Event Features Unique Fashion Show To Benefit Homeless Families
Local designers & student groups compete for title of "Best Designer" based on apparel made from recyclable materials.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Giving and Glamour" is the theme of the 16th Annual Garbage Bag Gala to be held at the beautiful Fairmont Pittsburgh on Thursday evening, November 2, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This unique event was started 16 years ago by a group of women supporters of The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center homeless shelter. It has evolved from a gathering in a home to an upscale event drawing upwards of 150 people. The initial premise had the women designing and wearing gowns which they made out of trash bags, and instead donating the money that they would have spent on attire and accessories for charity event to pay for enrichment activities for the children living at The Salvation Army Family Caring Center (FCC) in East Liberty. The evolution of the event has taken the focus from guests dressing exclusively in "trash wear," to more of an exhibit of the creative designs made of recyclable materials by local designers.
The fashion show is the highlight of evening. This year, in addition to area designers and local boutiques, groups of students with interest in fashion design are also competing for the title of "Best Design." The theme of the "trash wear" has carried on throughout the years because it's a way for The Salvation Army to demonstrate their belief that everything and everyone deserves a second chance! Of course, creativity among guests is still encouraged, and many of the committee members and guests still join in the fun of designing their own attire. Many others come business casual and just enjoy all that the event has to offer, including music, fantastic food, a ticket drop, "wastebasket winners" gift card pull, and a silent auction. This year, guests will also be inspired by a testimonial delivered by a former resident of The Family Caring Center who was homeless as a child and has since gone on to operate his own successful business.
In partnership with Pittsburgh Magazine, and with credit to many generous individual and corporate sponsors, this year's event is projected to raise close to $40,000. Corporate sponsors include: at the "Hefty" level: FedEx Ground; at the "Glad" level: Lanxess, Peoples Natural Gas and UMPC Health Plan; and at the "Handi" level: GetGo. Tickets are $75 and are available for purchase at: garbagebaggala.org or at the door. Pre-registration and payment is suggested and appreciated. "The FCC is unique in its dedication to providing an enriching environment focused on keeping families together. Dollars raised from the Garbage Bag Gala help to ensure that people in crisis continue to have a safe haven," stated Envoy John Barnett, Director of The Family Caring Center, adding, "We are so blessed and grateful to the sponsors, committee members and attendees for their support."
The Salvation Army's 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of diverse support programs. The East Liberty Family Caring Center is unique to Western Pennsylvania because it houses moms, dads and children. Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 129 countries worldwide. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.
SOURCE The Salvation Army Western PA Division
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