Grace Centers of Hope Hosts Annual "Women Helping Women" Fashion Show

PONTIAC, Mich. — Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) proudly presents the 26th Annual "Women Helping Women" Luncheon & Fashion Show, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Dr. in Rochester. The Pontiac-based nonprofit’s signature event includes a silent auction, luncheon, and a glamorous fashion show featuring both professional models and graduates of the nonprofit’s programs. All proceeds benefit GCH’s Women’s Program, which supports women who are overcoming homelessness, addiction and abuse.

“The Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show embodies our commitment to empowering women facing extraordinary challenges in their lives,” said GCH’s CEO Pastor Kent W. Clark. “We’ve continued to grow this life-changing event with the generous support of our community and sponsors. We are so grateful that GCH can continue to provide a pathway to recovery, stability, and hope for women in need throughout Metro Detroit.”

“Women Helping Women” begins with a silent auction and raffle preview that features a variety of dining, entertainment and lifestyle experience items that include: Four United Shore Professional Baseball League front row club tickets and one bat kid experience; a couples’ Boca Raton weekend spa retreat; a 7-night getaway in Northern Michigan; a Christian Louboutin designer gift basket; and designer handbags from Coach, Lilly Pulitzer, and Michael Kors.

Raffle prizes include a $2,000 Visa shopping spree, a $700 value Rochester weekend retreat including a couples spa day package, and a $500 Target gift card.

The centerpiece of Women Helping Women is its high-energy fashion show hosted by Cheryl Hall Lindsay of RGA Model Management — featuring both professional models and women enrolled in the GCH Women’s Program. The glamorous event will showcase this year’s spring fashion trends from Somerset Collection designers and other retail locations, including:

• Anne Fontaine: A Paris-based fashion designer whose ready-to-wear brand is sold in retail shops around the world
• J. McLaughlin: An American sportswear brand with a focus on excellence in design
• Lilly Pulitzer: Creator of authentic American sports resort wear, who for more than 60 years has created authentic printed styles
• Max Mara: An Italian fashion brand featuring up-market ready-to-wear clothing
• Just Girls Boutique: A unique collection of women's and young contemporary apparel in Bloomfield Hills
• Franklin Village Boutique: A cozy, on-trend fashionable boutique offering customers unique and contemporary apparel with a wide selection of handbags, accessories, and handcrafted jewelry
• Village Palm: A Grosse Pointe boutique offering apparel for men, women and children

“As we work at Grace Centers of Hope to support the community, we stand united in our efforts to uplift and transform the lives of women and families in crisis. The Women Helping Women event is not just about fashion, it’s about solidarity, compassion, and creating meaningful change,” said Pam Clark, Women’s Program Director at Grace Centers of Hope. “Giving these women a chance to walk the runway and experience the community’s support and show how far they’ve come is truly a blessing.”

GCH offers a diverse array of initiatives to assist individuals and families in overcoming challenges such as homelessness, addiction, neglect, poverty, and spiritual despair. Rooted in the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, GCH emphasizes personal responsibility, life skills education, and employment-focused programs to facilitate holistic transformation. Operating on an annual budget of $7.8 million, GCH relies entirely on the support of corporate and private donors, forgoing government assistance.

GCH's program offerings include a One-Year Life Skills Program catering to both men and women — featuring daily classes, personalized case management, group support, vocational skill development, and financial literacy education. Graduates of this program have the opportunity to transition into the After Care Program, where they receive ongoing support while residing in Little Grace Village—a vibrant, drug-free Christian community of more than 50 homes situated in downtown Pontiac.

Additionally, GCH provides a Children’s Program, offering complimentary pre-school and infant care at the Hands of Hope Childcare Center. This service enables parents to participate in GCH programs and pursue self-improvement while ensuring their children receive quality care and education. Furthermore, the Career and Education Center delivers an array of educational opportunities, including GED preparation courses, career exploration workshops, and financial planning seminars, empowering participants to achieve long-term stability and fulfillment.

GCH’s 2024 Women Helping Women event is sponsored by Hour Media, Birmingham Lodge #44, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, Dillman & Upton, Serra Buick, Emerald City Designs, F&M Bank, Hart & Harlow Salon, IMPACT Medicine, Jessica’s Natural Foods, Live Life Now, Magna Services, Heart For Him, Mariner Foundation, Moceri Management Company, Moon & Back Snacks, Royal Park Hotel, Jan Hewlett, United Wholesale Mortgage, Valerie Johnson Foundation, Vanguard Title, FDM Contracting, Franklin Village Boutique, and a Friend of Grace Centers of Hope — D.W.

For more information about Women Helping Women or to purchase tickets, visit www.gracecentersofhope.org. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Special Events Coordinator Christine Johnson at 248-334-2187 ext. 1131 or by email at cjohnson@gracecentersofhope.org.

About Grace Centers of Hope
Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, confronting daily the issues of homelessness, addiction, education, parenting, povefrty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 125,000 meals each year. Grace’s $7.8 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance. To learn more about Grace Centers of Hope or to make a donation, please visit www.gracecentersofhope.org.

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