This weekend, on Saturday, February 7th the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency presents “A Starry Night,” it’s annual fashion show, concert and fundraiser at George’s Majestic Lounge.
The show will feature Northwest Arkansas celebrities modeling local store and designer fashions to the music of DJ Luminfire, , Apples & Spades, Jane Says Go, and Hardaway & the Commoners.
There will be a silent auction to raise money for SARPA as well as some great food catered by some great local restaurants.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. You can also pick up advance tickets at George’s or at SARPA. Last year’s fashion show sold out, so order your tickets ahead of time or get there early.
We got in touch with Patty Thompson, VP, Board of Directors for SARPA, and she was kind enough to answer some questions about the event.
Fayetteville Flyer: Tell us a little about SARPA.
Patty Thompson: The Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency is a wonderful organization that helps adult survivors of sexual violence. SARPA, formerly known as Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis, was founded in 1976. SARPA services Benton, Washington, and Madison Counties. We provide personal advocacy, a twenty-four hour hotline, and we escort survivors to court and to medical care providers. We organize support groups and provide community education and outreach. All of our services are free, confidential, and provided in English and Spanish.
FF: Who are the organizers behind the Starry Night Fashion Show?
PT: The board of directors is responsible for all of the fundraisers for SARPA. This year, I am responsible for the organization of the show, and most of my help comes from the special events committee. However, a few other board members, the staff of SARPA, and our volunteers are also helping us out. It is truly a team effort!
FF: Are there any local fashion designers that will be featured in the show?
PT: We mostly feature local businesses for our show because that is who our community is, local people, and local stores. We want to support our community as much as they support us.
FF: Who will be modeling in the show this year?
PT: We have local NWA stars modeling for us this year, including Jocelyn Pruna from the Latino media , Matt Miller a local artist, Sonia Gutierrez of the New Design Center and our emcee Jennifer Irwin.
FF: How important is the Starry Night Show as far as raising funds for SARPA?
PT: Very important! The fashion show is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year, we raised over $10,000, which helped significantly with developing Sexual Assault Recovery Team Programs.
FF: Fashion Shows are pretty rare here in Fayetteville, but we think Fayetteville is pretty fashionable town, don’t you?
PT: Absolutely. There are so many creative people in Fayetteville, and I find myself constantly asking, “where did you get that?”
FF: How would you describe your personal style?
PT: Ha! That is a funny question. Right now, whatever keeps me warm. Every other day of the year, my style is whatever is cheap or on sale. However, I do have a pretty bad Betsey Johnson addiction!
FF: We heard you guys have up-and-coming Fayetteville band The Commoners at the show this year. Have you heard much of their music?
PT: Yes, and I can’t wait to see them perform at the show! If you haven’t heard them yet, visit their MySpace page. They have a few songs on there, and I know if you hear them you will get as pumped up as I do!
FF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop in Fayetteville?
PT: Plato’s Closet is starting to become my new favorite place to shop for clothes. I love finding accessories and fun accent pieces at Something Urban. My two favorite stores to window shop at are Maude and Lola. I probably cause traffic build-up when I drive past them, because I am so distracted by the beautiful outfits .
FF: What can people expect when they come to the show on February 7th?
PT: Well, we have two of the city’s hottest DJ’s and three really awesome bands, wonderful locals modeling fashionable clothes from the best local stores, a silent auction with and appetizers provided by local restaurants and businesses, and ME!
