Pace to hold FUNky Fashion Show fundraiser

Recycled fashions will be showcased at Pace Center for Girls, Lee’s FUNky Fashion Show this June to raise funds for its programs.

The non-profit has held the fashion show consistently for several years as a fun event in Cape Coral, Executive Director Jenny Cellitti said.

“Everything we raise at this event is all going to support our programming at Pace Center for the Girls,” she said.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at the Moose Lodge #2199, at 155 Santa Barbara Blvd., N., Cape Coral.

The event is presented by the Comrie Foundation. It has limited sponsorships opportunities available, which include Fashionista sponsorship for $2,500; VIP Table sponsorship for $1,000 and a table for eight for $600. An 8-top table, and an optional dress entry at no additional cost, is included in the sponsorship opportunities.

VIP and sponsored tables also include a personal celebrity waiter and a charcuterie tray.

Guests can also enjoy dinner provided by Personal Touch Catering, music by New Beginnings Events, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and prize drawings.

Dress entries, which includes admission for the model and one guest, is $100. The deadline to register a dress is June 14.

They have eight confirmed dress entries and are always looking for more.

The dresses are made of recycled and repurposed items for businesses.

Past dresses have includes business brochures, wine corks and recycled screens.

“This year we have one of our Pace girls making a Pace dress. One of our girls that has transitioned is going to model the dress at the event,” Cellitti said.

Businesses that have committed as of May 24 include Soma, Seminole Casino, Moose Lodge and California Closets.

Dress awards will be presented for Runway Ready, Funkiest Fashion and People’s Choice.

“We fundraise every year. We raise over a third of our budget in fundraising. The community and foundations and grants support over a third of the budget for what we do,” she said.

Pace is a program for girls in middle and high schools who have faced challenges and trauma in their life.

Many are still facing those challenges, Cellitti said.

The center provides support for the girls to help them through those challenges and to be successful.

There is a school academic year-round day program for the girls. Participants take seven classes, which follow the same core curriculum as the School District of Lee County.

“They come and work on whatever it is they are working through (while they) gain skills and make up credits, so they can transition back to the district schools,” she said.

In 2018, another program was introduced because the center wanted to reach more girls, as they always have a wait list.

They started the Reach Therapy Program, which includes a licensed mental health counselor who provides therapy sessions, Cellitti said.

The counselor meets the girls wherever they need them to provide intensive therapy, family therapy and group therapy.

PACE serves more than 120 girls at a time.

“It’s a normal school with extra support. Counselors have caseloads of 20 girls. We are doing more than academic counseling –counseling to help them navigate whatever they are going through. They learn skills to be successful in the classroom, socially and with family,” she said.

The center also works with the family unit, so they, too, can learn the skills they need. PACE also works with the girls on how to get along well with their peers and establish healthy relationships with their peers.

For more information or to register, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Florida/Lee/Funky-Fashion-Show or call 239-425-2366.