FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 8, 2022) – Goodwill North Central Texas announced today that Project Goodwill will return on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Ridglea Country Club following a two-year hiatus.
This fashion show, design competition and fundraiser gala tasks aspiring designers from the community with designing wearable garments using $100 worth of unconventional materials from local Goodwill stores and presenting those looks in a runway show. Over the years, participants have used materials including lampshades, album covers, a trampoline, suitcases, tin-foil pans, air filters and more to complete their looks. Contestants compete for top honors in design materials and method, and runway presentation. First place and People’s Choice during the 2019 event went to Kate Oxley, a then 37-year-old teacher, who designed a dress made entirely from adult diapers and deconstructed Christmas ornaments.
“This is not an outfit competition, it’s a true design competition featuring runway-ready looks,” said Shay Dial Johnson, Vice President of Community Engagement. “Goodwill is proud to be one of the largest recyclers in North Texas, and showcasing secondary uses for everyday household goods and clothing is just one way of emphasizing the importance of reusing and upcycling in promoting sustainability.”
The 2022 fashion show will be judged by industry professionals including two-time winner of Project Goodwill and Technical Designer for Nordstrom, Lizzie Jones; Director of Customer Care for Kendra Scott, Lyndsay Baylor; Professor of Theatre Arts at Texas Wesleyan University, Joe Allen Brown; Plus-Size Reseller and Body-Positive Activist, Dearrine Morrow (@thedivaofcurvestx); and Design Consultant, Kanani Mahelona.
Project Goodwill benefits the mission of the nonprofit – to empower people with disabilities, disadvantages and other barriers to employment so they may achieve maximum independence. All proceeds go to the Moncrief-Ryan Scholarship Fund supporting initiatives focusing on providing jobs and job training for the homeless, at-risk youth, veterans, the formerly incarcerated and the people with disabilities. The 2019 event raised $31,115.28 for the cause.
While the 2020 and 2021 events were not able to be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodwill continued to fulfill its mission as North Texans faced unemployment and furlough in record numbers. “We were proud to be able to continue to fulfill our mission despite our retail locations being closed,” said Johnson. “By transitioning to online services we were able to continue to serve our community, and we stand ready to assist those facing unemployment over the months to come.”
Applications to compete as a designer are due by February 10. Apply to compete, become a sponsor or purchase tickets online at www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org/ProjectGoodwill.
About Goodwill North Central Texas
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.
Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 27 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community. Job training and career services programs for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where everyone person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living. For more information, please visit www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org.
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