A night of fashion against sexual assault
Brittany Arroyos
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Lifestyles
Music and fashion all in one night - and it's for a good cause?
The Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency is hosting its 4th annual fashion show tomorrow at George's Majestic Lounge. With a combination of a fashion show, live music and a fundraiser, it is no surprise that the 2007 show was sold out.
SARPA began in August 1975 when a group of women from the Fayetteville community and the UA came together to discuss the growing problem of sexual assault and rape. Formerly known as the Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis, SARPA is an organization that provides 24/7 and long-term services to survivors of sexual abuse as well as local awareness and prevention programs to the public. SARPA offers free and confidential services to Washington, Benton and Madison counties.
"In late 2005, the board of directors for SARPA decided to do a fashion show to connect the agency with the community for awareness and fundraising purposes but to also help local businesses," said Brannon Randolph, executive director of SARPA.
The idea of the fashion show was to bring the community together to raise awareness on an important topic that is sometimes ignored.
"The fashion show helps to reiterate the message that rape is not about the clothes, it's about power and control," said Jen Carlson, SARPA program director. "We want women to feel free to wear what makes them feel beautiful, strong and confident."
Dubbed "A Starry Night," the benefit will feature performances from local musicians DJ Luminfire, DJ Beat Bachs, Apples and Spades, Jane Says Go, and Hardaway and The Commoners.
Hardaway and The Commoners is a hip-hop collective consisting of Colin Hardaway, Brad Haj, Will "4real" Collins, Dan Hicks and Barrett Barker.
"We feel as musicians and people of increasing influence that it is our responsibility to give back to the community through local charities by donating our time and attention to support a good cause," said Hardaway, a UA student and vocalist of the group. "Everything starts locally, so this is a great opportunity for us to get involved."
The Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency is hosting its 4th annual fashion show tomorrow at George's Majestic Lounge. With a combination of a fashion show, live music and a fundraiser, it is no surprise that the 2007 show was sold out.
SARPA began in August 1975 when a group of women from the Fayetteville community and the UA came together to discuss the growing problem of sexual assault and rape. Formerly known as the Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis, SARPA is an organization that provides 24/7 and long-term services to survivors of sexual abuse as well as local awareness and prevention programs to the public. SARPA offers free and confidential services to Washington, Benton and Madison counties.
"In late 2005, the board of directors for SARPA decided to do a fashion show to connect the agency with the community for awareness and fundraising purposes but to also help local businesses," said Brannon Randolph, executive director of SARPA.
The idea of the fashion show was to bring the community together to raise awareness on an important topic that is sometimes ignored.
"The fashion show helps to reiterate the message that rape is not about the clothes, it's about power and control," said Jen Carlson, SARPA program director. "We want women to feel free to wear what makes them feel beautiful, strong and confident."
Dubbed "A Starry Night," the benefit will feature performances from local musicians DJ Luminfire, DJ Beat Bachs, Apples and Spades, Jane Says Go, and Hardaway and The Commoners.
Hardaway and The Commoners is a hip-hop collective consisting of Colin Hardaway, Brad Haj, Will "4real" Collins, Dan Hicks and Barrett Barker.
"We feel as musicians and people of increasing influence that it is our responsibility to give back to the community through local charities by donating our time and attention to support a good cause," said Hardaway, a UA student and vocalist of the group. "Everything starts locally, so this is a great opportunity for us to get involved."
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