Becca's Closet Walks the Runway

I can’t say that attending a fashion show has ever been high on my list of things I wanted to do. But, that is just what I did this past Saturday.

We arrived at Cherryvale Mall (Rockford area) about 45 minutes before the show was to begin. We planned to do a little shopping first. The mall parking lot was as full as it is just prior to Christmas. The mall was very busy on Saturday. We were prepared to walk past the center court and head to a store, but the chairs set up by the runway were nearly filled already. We found a couple of seats with a friend and settled in.

We were there for “Becca’s Closet Walks the Runway.” Becca’s Closet is an organization that provides gently used formal attire and accessories to girls who cannot otherwise afford it. The show was to highlight a couple of changes for the community. The administration of Becca’s Closet in Rockford has just taken been over by Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries and the closet has been relocated to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1829 N. Rockton Avenue).

By my count, there were 29 young women who modeled two dresses each. The dresses were all from Becca's Closet. Most of the models were from our congregations and a couple from the Auburn High School Key Club, which was the former sponsoring organization. One Lutheran congregation did not have a high school girl, so their pastor, Krista Zimmerman, walked the runway!

Of course, these models required escorts, so two Rockford interns, Andy Berry and Ryan Anderson, and two Rockford pastors, Bill Dahlberg and Eric Lemonholm, donned the tuxes. The narrator for the show was one of Rockford’s news anchors, Katie Nilsson.

What made this such a fun way to spend the afternoon? Becca’s Closet provides an important service. It is exciting to have this come under Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries umbrella because it fits their mission well. All of the models were volunteers and it was great to hear so many congregations’ names announced. Barb Berman, who had started Becca’s Closet in the Rockford area was present. The crowd was huge. Church members, pastors, parents, and passersby. Folks sitting, standing and lining the upper level walkways. Sponsors were generous. Flowers, hair and makeup services, tux rental, and a couple of dresses were donated. Our local Thrivent chapters came through with the finances that were needed.

So, I’m tipping my hat to Mariel Heinke (RALM director), the RALM Cabinet, and everyone who is working hard to keep Becca’s Closet alive and well. And, thanks for making my first fashion show experience a good one!

Becca’s Closet will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon beginning March 12 and continuing through prom season. For more information see: http://www.rockfordlutheranministries.com/, and http://www.beccascloset.org/ (info not updated as of 3/7).

Comments are always welcome. Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. Photos show Pastor Krista modeling a dress and Vicar Andy, Pastor Bill, Vicar Ryan and Pastor Eric looking their best. --JC