LM Students Strut Their Stuff For a Good Cause

The community room at the Huntingdon Valley Library was the host of a teen fashion show put on by Lower Moreland student Ali Shain Monday night. The junior organized the charity event to benifit StandUp For Kids.

Why Ali got involved with helping others:

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to help out other teens. Whether it was as little as helping them move a table, or as big as hosting my own fundraiser. Around May of last year I came up with the idea of doing a fundraiser for StandUp For Kids. I came up with the idea of doing a fashion show fundraiser because I have always loved fashion, and recently realized I want to make it my career. I really hope I can be an inspiration to other teens to go out and take charge. We are the future of the world, and need to make changes. Most adults seem to under-estimate teens. They don't understand teens do have good potential ideas to make a difference. I was never one to sit back and let things go wrong, and I was never one to take no for an answer. I am extremely determined to make a change for these struggling teens. Thank you for your help and support. It is much appreciated by me and all of these teens receiving donations.

What is StandUp For Kids really about, and what made you decide to help them?

StandUp For Kids is an organization devoted to helping homeless and street kids. StandUp For Kids does this every day in cities all across America. They carry out their mission through volunteers who go out to the streets to find, stabilize, and otherwise help homeless and street kids improve their lives. StandUp For Kids really made an imprint on my heart when I started reading, watching videos and looking at pictures on their web site. 'Mom, this is the one, I know it!' That was the first thing I had said to my mom after watching one video. StandUp For Kids has made a huge impact on my life. It is now constantly in the back of my head how fortunate I am to have what I have. StandUp For Kids is a great organization and was so supportive towards me.

How did you get all of the clothes and donated items?

This summer I held a huge clothing drive. Every day when I came home from work there would be another three huge bags on my front porch. I was so surprised by how much everyone donated. All of the models are wearing gently worn clothing donated by stores and people in the community. People donated things like clothes, shoes, thermals, and hygiene products. These are the main things that struggling teens need. We all should really feel accomplished that we were able to all come together and give them what they need.

Special thanks to all of the teen models:

• Danielle Alush
• Sammi Brown
• Loren Furman
• Alexis Hewish
• Jacob Hoffman
• Amber Hosmi
• Paige Kauffman
• Allison Mamstis
• Christopher Moran
• Sara Murphy
• Jenna and Mikayla

Zach Medina of Shockwaves Entertainment for donating his time and great music. Ali also thanks the local businesses that donated gift certificates and Salon La Vogue.