Fashion Show Raises $14K for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless

Twenty volunteer models walked the runway at a Silver Spring fashion show to benefit the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless on Sunday.

The Homeless 2 Hopeful fashion show, organized by Samaritans4Homeless, brought together 250 community members and raised $14,000 for the local nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless and formerly homeless individuals and families.

Models showcased clothing donated by Red Hue Boutique in Rockville and Jos A. Bank in Olney.

“The fashion show was better than I imagined,” event organizer Marta Bohorquez said in a news release. “When I saw the models own that catwalk, exuding confidence and charming the audience, looking beautiful, despite what some have experienced with homelessness, I knew this was all worth it.”

One of the event highlights was a speech from Yolanda Maria Martinez, the CEO of Respira Medical, who shared her story of experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.”

“It was the wonderful work of the shelter that instilled me I can do whatever I want,” Martinez said.

Following the fashion show, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless plan to provide specialized makeovers for clients in their program.

>> One man transformed from a special makeover. Photo courtesy of Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless.

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