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Fashion show funds foster student dreams

Entering a university after high school can be a tough transition into adulthood, even with basic family support. Many students, however, don’t have that building block to lean on. Foster kids, upon being emancipated at the age of 18, are considered adults and have to figure out a way to earn a living, or pursue higher education on their own.

It is precisely for that reason that Joni Pitcl, the president of the Foster Youth Education Fund, decided to organize fashion shows as a way to raise money.
“I revived the fashion show as a vehicle for raising funds for former foster youth to attend college,” Pitcl says.

This year the theme of the Sept. 28 show was “Rock the Runway,” with a nod to the rock n’ roll era. With the help of many volunteers and donors, the show was once again held in Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom. The University has been hosting the show for the last three years.

“Each year the fashion show is more and more successful,” says Joy Salvetti, director of the Guardian Scholars Program at Sacramento State. “We’re thrilled that it’s growing, along with the passion that people feel about it, as well.”

Since the first show in 2002, the amount raised has jumped from $5,000 to $42,000. “Although we do not have the final number, even in these tough economic times we expect to sustain our contribution level,” says Pitcl.

The Guardian Scholars Program receives a good share of the proceeds from the shows, enabling them to fund the various services they provide for students. Students from area high schools, as well as the University, volunteer to participate in the show, and in the event.

“In the beginning, many foster youth were unsure of what being in a fashion show would entail – we literally had to go out and talk the youths into participating. Our first year we had about 20 youths in the show, “ Pitcl says. “Today however it is a very different story – they love to be in the show.”

Students not only showcase clothing, but put on a show involving a series of mini-acts, according to Salvetti. The transformation of the young men and women was remarkable.

“They’re an inspiration to me. I think when people see them onstage for the fashion show, they’re amazed,” Salvetti says.

Students volunteered not only to be onstage, but for other work as well. The organizers had more than enough volunteers.

“I helped the girls get into their dresses, pants or shirts, helped them pick their shoes and got them ready for each theme,” Patrice Brazier, a pre-nursing major and Guardian Scholar, says. This is Brazier’s first year at Sacramento State, and the Guardian Scholars Program has been making the transition easier for her by helping her find housing opportunities as well as financial aid, she says.

“We offer services, sort of like a one-stop shop for students so they don’t have to go here and there to ask questions and be provided services,” says Salvetti. “We have key contacts for them in financial aid, housing, and health services, and each contact works directly with our students.” Students also have scholarship and internship opportunities from outside organizations associated with Guardian Scholars.

The Guardian Scholars Program was started three years ago and has been growing ever since. This year there are 38 scholars, and 300 prospective foster youths on campus. The goals of the program are to expand and to make sure that students know about the benefits offered to them.

“We pretty much doubled our group this year, so I can only imagine we will be growing due to outreach in the high schools,” says Salvetti. “We’re trying to reach foster youth early, so they know what they need to do to get into college.”

The organization also wants to serve college students beginning in their freshman year, in order to offer them the best college experience possible.
 
“Every day I’m inspired by this group of students. They’re very resilient,” Salvetti says. “They’re just amazing young people, and they speak for the program more than I can ever do.”

For sponsorship information or questions regarding the Foster Youth Education Fund, contact Pitcl at (916) 705-4224. For questions about the Guardian Scholars Program at Sacramento State, call 278-2934.