Fall Fashion Show and Photography Reveal to benefit Alzheimer’s research
Allison Pinkard has watched two of her grandparents battle Alzheimer’s Disease, and it was seeing their suffering – particularly her grandfather she cared for in his home for 2.5 years until he passed away – that has driven her to action.
“I watched the disease take him over,” Pinkard said. “Having a front row seat to what this does to people, to families, I have a strong desire to find a cure for it or find something to help. There’s nothing. There’s no cure. There’s nothing they can do.”
Pinkard, a local photographer decided there’s something she can do. With a goal to hold multiple events to raise funds and awareness throughout the year, the first step is raising funds for seed money for the events. That’s where the Fall Fashion Show and Photography Reveal comes in.
The Fall Fashion Show and Photography Reveal will be held at the A.W. Todd Center in Russellville Sept. 17 from 1-8 p.m. This multi-attraction event will feature several Russellville High School seniors modeling fall apparel from Audrey’s Gifts and Décor (Russellville) and Sassy and Classy (Florence). RHS seniors involved will be Ashley Rose, Jennifer Stovall, MaKayla Phifer and Chelsea Suddith.
But the fall fashion show it only one part of the multi-faceted event Pinkard has planned. The afternoon will begin with a performance by Studio X-treme girls, followed the Love 2 Sing Studio Students at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m. will be a Matilda Jane Fashion Show, followed by the fall fashion show from RHS seniors.
The final entertainment of the evening will be the Russellville Academy of Performing Arts students at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, vendors will also be on hand to tempt attendees, including Premier Jewelry, Plunder Jewelry, Audrey’s Gifts and Decor
Amanda Whitley – Matilda Jane Independent Trunk Keeper, K&R Designs, Kim’s Bows, Friends General Store, Pink Zebra, Thirty-one, Unique By Sissy Scott and Rustic Rose.
RHS majorettes will be selling water and baked goods provided by MeMe’s Cakery. Additionally, Pinkard will have her photography on display.
“It will be a day full of my favorite things – photography, fashion, entertainment and shopping,” Pinkard said. “This will be a great time to start your Christmas Shopping. Come on out and support your local business owners.”
Pinkard said there have been lots of door prizes donated by the vendors and local businesses in the area that will be up for grabs by attendees.
Entry fee is $5 for adults; children younger than 12 can get in free. Free entry will also be offered to all police officers, for whom Pinkard is also currently offering free family photo sessions.
With the funds Pinkard raises, she hopes to host a fundraising horse ride and fishing tournament to benefit Alzheimer’s research.
