On the Catwalk: Student run fashion show raises money for cancer research

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March 14, 2010

Student-run fashion show raises money for cancer research

By Rosemary Ford

Yasmin Mateo, a 16-year-old from Salem, N.H., recently had a breast cancer scare. Doctors found a lump in her breast and performed surgery to remove what turned out to be a benign cyst.

While grateful that she doesn't have cancer, the experience gave the teen a glimpse into the world of a woman battling the disease. It was particularly poignant for her as part of a group of students who has been working since last summer on fashion show to raise funds to fight this disease.

"I just thought about all those people out there and what they must be going through," Mateo said.

For the third year, students at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence have organized an elaborate annual fashion show called the Catwalk4Cancer.

Last year, the event raised more than $20,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This year's proceeds will go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

"We always say it combines fashion with a passion," said Shanna Wiggins, 18, of Methuen, a member of the show's Executive Committee, along with Mateo. "I really just love the cause and what we are fighting for."

This year's theme is "One Cause, One World." The show will feature more than 300 students, 19 faculty members and 15 local survivors.

"I think the Catwalk is very special because of the enthusiasm we receive from the students," said Victoria Maroon, 18, of Methuen, another Executive Committee member.

Many students and faculty members at the school have been touched by the disease, including 18-year-old Executive Committee member Katie Tiney of Andover, who lost her mother to the disease.

"The cause drew me in," said Tiney, who chairs the event's Promotions Committee. "It's a way for me to give back."

The Catwalk4Cancer was started by former Central Catholic student Phill Picardi of North Andover. Picardi organized the show to help raise awareness and funds for the cause, which is close to his heart. Picardi lost a treasured friend and neighbor to breast cancer.

"It's sad that we don't have Phill, but his legacy is continuing," said Prachi Shah, 17, of North Andover, who took over Picardi's duties as the head of the Catwalk's Executive Committee. "Like all good things, it started out as the dream of one person."

Now a freshman at New York University, Picardi is returning to the school to cover the event as an intern for Teen Vogue.

The Catwalk4Cancer Executive Committee has been meeting since last summer to put the show together. It has made faculty advisors Carol Cultrera and Carmen Lonero very proud.

Lonero has not only seen the students do good deeds, but noticed a lot personal and professional growth in them over the months of the planning and preparation for the show.

"They are all very enthusiastic about the cause," Lonero said. "We see the kids in a different light."

More than 87 models will strut their stuff on the runway, featuring fashions from several local boutiques: Coco Collection, Native Sun, Cristina's bridal and formal wear, Dresscode, First Date, Russo Tux, Irresistibles and TJX Companies (the parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls). New York designer Sally LaPointe will also be part of the show.

The catwalk itself was made with donated material from Lawrence's Jackson Lumber. The decor committee has recreated everything from the London Bridge to the New York skyline as backdrops and props for the show.

Many local businesses also donated their services to make the show a success, including North Andover's Bliss Spa and Salon, which will be doing all of the hair and makeup for the show. Iannazzi Electrical Services in Andover donated the show's lighting equipment and local photographer Erin Fennell donated her time and expertise for the show's ad book and publicity campaign.

IF YOU GO

What: Catwalk4Cancer

When: Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m.

Where: Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St., Lawrence

How: Tickets cost $15. They are available through www.centralcatholic.net, clicking on the Catwalk4Cancer link. For more information e-mail Catwalk4Cancer@gmail.com.