As a recent contestant in the Miss Teen Michigan USA pageant, Emily Kalohn knows how good it feels to be up on stage, basking in the spotlight.
‘I just wish everyone could have the opportunity to feel as beautiful as I did on that night,? said the 18-year-old Oxford resident.
In an effort to make that happen, Kalohn is organizing a fashion show to benefit local special education programs. She’s working with fellow pageant contestant Brooke Naumcheff, the reigning Miss Hudsonville.
The show will take place at the Brandon High School auditorium on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $5 per person.
Kalohn wants the models to consist of a mix of special and general education students from Oxford and Brandon high schools.
‘I’m really hoping they develop some friendships,? she said. ‘Support is everything.?
Kalohn also plans to have models from the Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Metamora and the Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles (O.A.T.S.) program in Clarkston.
‘I want them to feel glamorous,? Kalohn said. ‘I want them to be as comfortable and feel as beautiful as they possibly can.?
Both female and male models are needed for the show. ‘I can’t stress that enough,? said Kalohn, who’s a freshman at Oakland Community College.
Her goal is for the event to be a ‘self-confidence booster? and a ‘night to shine? for the special education students. That’s why the theme is ‘A Night in Hollywood.?
In order to make it all happen, Kalohn is seeking donations and volunteers. She’s looking for stores willing to donate the use of dresses for the evening as well as accessories such as jewelry and handbags.
‘We’re willing to rent (dresses), but it has to be a reasonable price because it is a charity event,? Kalohn noted.
Sponsors willing to donate money, raffle prizes and props for use as show decorations are being sought.
‘We’re asking that anything that is donated is glamorous and glitzy, just like Hollywood,? Kalohn said. The event’s color scheme includes red, black, gold and white.
Volunteers are also needed to shoot photographs, style the models? hair and apply their makeup, and accompany students who require assistance on the runway.
Kalohn, who does modeling work on the side, plans to teach participants how to strut down the runway like a true pro.
‘I want them to feel as beautiful as I felt on the night of my pageant,? she said.
Those wishing to make a donation or volunteer their time are asked to contact Kalohn via e-mail at emily.kalohn@gmail.com