The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Glamorous wardrobe selections, jewellery and other accessories, as well as handmade straw crafts by local artists will hit the runway at the Gulf Stream Patio for a special cause on May 14.

Members and participants of the Bahamas Galaxy Pageants are coming together, beginning at 4.30pm, to host the organisation’s first “Fashion That Cares” event, a tribute to cancer survivors Rika Cargill and Joseph Andrew Benjamin.

Director of Bahamas Galaxy Pageants Andrea Knott said it is always a proud moment for her to see the growth and maturity many of the young contestants in her pageant system display. And many of them, she said, are volunteering their services to make this upcoming event a success.

“This is a humble beginning, and with the help of the community and other organisations and businesses our outreach and community service initiatives will continue to host events like this one. This is the first Fashion That Cares event organised by me, Samantha McCartney, Miss Bahamas Galaxy 2012, and volunteers. With all the planning and hard work, it is an exciting project,” said Ms Knott.

She said the models will be decked out in the hottest trends and there will also be door prizes for the guests. More importantly, however, Fashion That Cares will pay tribute to Ms Knott’s father, Joseph Andrew Benjamin, and sister, Rika Cargill.

“Learning and seeing the cancer treatments of my immediate family and the effects, it inspired me to give extra support to those with illnesses and who are strong survivors. As survivors, they express their love and encouragement to others and are thankful to God for life. It would be so good to see family, friends and the general public coming out to show their support, it is most fitting to say that Mr Benjamin and Ms Cargill deserve to be honoured,” said Ms Knott.

Also, attending this fashion event, Ms Knott said Bahamians can show their support for local designers, clothing stores, models, and especially, all of the country’s cancer survivors or those currently batting the disease.

She believes guests will be inspired by the energy and positive vibes of the various fashion scenes.

Designers will include Sabrina Francis, David Rolle and Indira of ILASHAN, who will showcase some of their new designs. Clothing and accessories will be provided by La Chica Caliente, Fashion Hall and the Fahari Boutique, the official jewellery sponsor for Bahamas Galaxy Pageants in 2016. Straw handbags will be provided by Harry and Sherry Armbrister, and makeup will be done by Shauna Sinclair Beauty.

“As a fundraiser, the ultimate goal is to assist with outreach and community services programmes. This outreach is just the beginning to assist our honorees, and it is anticipated that the planning and execution of such fashion show events will be an ongoing mission. The feeling of self-satisfaction in helping others who are in need is gratifying,” said Ms Knott.

Tickets for “Fashion That Cares” are available at the Beauty Shack, Soldier Road, at a cost of $15 in advance and $20 at the door.