02/11/11 - 35th annual StyleWorks fashion show March 29 and 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 11, 2011
Contact: Jan Hollingsworth
jan.hollingsworth@siskin.org
423.648.1730

35^th annual StyleWorks fashion show March 29 and 30
benefits children with special needs

ArtWorks, the StyleWorks preview party, features a silent art auction and Marketplace shopping

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The hottest spring and summer fashions are coming to a runway near you as Siskin Children’s Institute hosts its StyleWorks fundraiser next month at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 guests.

The two-day event begins Tuesday, March 29, with ArtWorks, a silent art auction featuring pieces in various mediums donated by regional artists. ArtWorks also brings the creativity of some of our area’s youngest painters into the spotlight with 21 pieces of original art created by children at Siskin Early Learning Centers, where children with and without disabilities learn and grow side-by-side.

StyleWorks follows on Wednesday, March 30, with a luncheon and runway show. Models will preview Belk’s trendiest clothing and accessories of the season for children and adults.

Attendees can shop Marketplace both days of the event, browsing through wares from vendors selling everything from handbags and jewelry to home décor and gadgets. The Marketplace attracts more than 25 vendors who see the event as an excellent way to showcase their latest offerings and help a good cause.

Mountain View Ford Lincoln in Chattanooga has been a StyleWorks supporter since 1994. “I don’t know if there is a greater cause than contributing to the well-being of the children who are served by Siskin Children’s Institute,” said Clay Watson, dealership president. “As a family-owned and operated dealership, we strongly agree with supporting local entities like the Institute that directly help local children with special needs.”

Donna Brody and Coughlin Cooper are this year’s StyleWorks co-chairs, and Meredith Ensign and Ashley Sorrow teamed up to organize ArtWorks. “Styleworks is such a fabulous event,” said Donna Brody, 2011 co-chair and five-year StyleWorks volunteer. “It truly gives attendees the feeling that they are on the sidelines at a New York City fashion show, and they are supporting a wonderful cause at the same time.”

“Siskin Children’s Institute is fortunate to have an energetic and dedicated group of volunteers investing their time in this worthwhile event,” said Gerald D. Jensen, Institute president and CEO. “We also appreciate the support shown by Chattem, Inc. and Belk, our 2011 StyleWorks sponsors, by the many Marketplace vendors and, of course, by the guests who attend StyleWorks year after year.”

The StyleWorks/ArtWorks event combines a unique retail experience that also benefits children with special needs and their families. It’s fashion with compassion and art with heart, supporting Siskin Children’s Institute’s programs and services in the areas of education, outreach, health care and research.

For information on ticket sales, vendor booth space or artwork donations, visit the Institute’s special events page at www.siskin.org/styleworks or call the event line at 423.648.1707.

StyleWorks/ArtWorks Schedule
ArtWorks - Tuesday, March 29 – Chattanooga Convention Center
   o Silent art auction and Marketplace shopping: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

StyleWorks - Wednesday, March 30 – Chattanooga Convention Center
   o StyleWorks: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
      10 a.m.                   Marketplace opens
      11:30 a.m.               Luncheon
      12:30 p.m.               Fashion show
      1:30 p.m.                 Marketplace reopens

About Siskin Children’s Institute
Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. The non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four areas of focus: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.