On April 24th, a new event will be happening at Germantown Academy (GA) through the Community Service Organization (CSO). Aubrey Conley ‘27, who models outside of school, came up with the idea of a charity fashion show featuring the support of a non-profit organization, Marvin’s Home. Students from all grade levels in the Upper School are invited to sign up and be part of this function. Students will get to experience being part of something greater that will impact the community, whether it being walking on the runway or helping out behind the scene.
Marvin’s Home is a non-profit organization based out of Landsdale in PA, serving their local community and the Greater Philadelphia area. They focus on furnishing homes for troubled youth who are seeking stability in their lives as they exit foster care homes. This charity was chosen with the help of CSO Leader and history teacher, Mr. Bob Moyer. Aubrey Conely talks about Marvin’s Home saying, “I got the idea from Mr. Moyer, who inspired me to do this. Iand it helps underprivileged kids get basic needs and helps foster children like decorate their rooms for more personality and [gives them]something to look forward to”.
The show is expected to feature the clothing of two stores, a local news station covering the event, and a variety of raffle baskets including fitness, wellness, haircare, and even Phillies tickets totaling up to around two thousand dollars. The news reporter will serve as the MC, and the show will include an introduction from Mr Schellhas, a 3D art gallery, a pop up school store, and possibly an additional store partner. Models were fitted by the stores themselves and they chose outfits based on current trends.
The fashion show also shows how students at GA are willing to try something new and step out of their comfort zone. As Aubrey planned the event, she spent weeks reaching out to local stores, meeting with CSO leaders and organizing student models to make sure everything would run smoothly.
For Aubrey, the fashion show is a way to show her passion for modeling with her desire to give back to the community. She has had experience walking in shows outside of school and is even signed in New York. So she wanted to bring a show to GA that would benefit others.
“I want to bring the GA community to something that’s greater than what we are and give back to the community as a whole but still making it like a fun entertaining time, like how people show out for the basketball tournaments and making different events that GA isn’t used to.”
Students and families are encouraged to attend this event to bring the GA community together for something bigger than the school itself. It allows for a space of fun and entertainment while raising support for a meaningful cause.
“I hope this becomes something that students in GA can look forward to each year, knowing that it’s more than just a show, but an opportunity to bring us together”.
Aubrey hopes to continue this charity fashion show as a tradition for future years.