A recent charity fashion show in Johns Creek offered dozens of special needs residents the chance to hit the runway and flaunt their best threads.
Over 500 people came out to support the Fashion Speaks on the Creek show Sunday held in the Johns Creek High School auditorium where they cheered on the show's 53 participants — ages 6 to 86.
National clothing retailer, Belk supplied outfits for all of the participants. Johns Creek police officers were on hand to escort each of the models — many with special needs including Down syndrome and autism.
The charity fashion show was intended to boost the self-confidence among the participants living with these developmental disabilities, said Linda Hickey, founder of the Jonny and Xena Spread the Words Foundation.
For the models, the excitement began building during the fitting process.
“I think they felt a little more beautiful," Hickey said. "I wanted to shine a light on them, so the whole world could also see.”
Hickey started her foundation last year, drawing inspiration from her 11-year-old son, Jonny, who was diagnosed with autism. In February 2013, Hickey found and rescued Xena, a malnourished pit bull puppy who had been neglected by its previous owners. Xena now serves as Jonny’s companion dog.
Check out some highlights from the fashion show:
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