Page 10 - Goodwill of the Finger Lakes Annual Report
P. 10
Repurposed Denim Goodwill Elevates Planet!
2023 GOODWILL GALA: Dancing in Denim
At Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, we pride ourselves on
special events that engage community and promote
sustainability. Our 2023 Goodwill Gala: Dancing in
Denim was NO different!
Goodwill continues to be a staple of the secondhand
shopping market serving communities across Greater
Rochester, Finger Lakes and Syracuse Regions. In
striving to promote sustainability, we looked to local
fashion designers to use their creativity to repurpose
denim for our runway. We featured looks from
designers such as Fatima Bebekk of Paislee Boutique
and Silk Bridal, Chi Gordon of Parlor Beauty, Nathaniel
Johnson of Nathaniel’s Originals, and Erin Nesmith of
ERIN NESMITH. The designers WOWed the audience by
reusing and repurposing stylish and unique pieces of
clothing with a more responsible alternative.
Also, on that night, we danced to celebrate the life,
legacy and leadership of Dr. Gwen Sterns, a friend
who is gone but not forgotten. For more than 40 years,
Dr. Sterns helped pave the way for Goodwill Vision
Enterprises [formerly known as ABVI] to get to where
Yes, to that Dress! a Denim we are committed to serving our community equitably.
we are today. Our Annual Visionary Award was renamed
That is
in her honor. More than 100 years since our inception,
Expanding our vision programs and services, making
Wedding
them more accessible to marginalized populations
Gown!
across the Rochester community—who need it most.
PHOTOGRAPHY captured by: Stephanie Leary, Stephanie Alane Photography
