Page 28 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

enaissance the Runway
A BIG SUCCESS
September 29, 2016, marked the inaugural Renaissance the Runway fundraiser, presented by the Bacot McCarty Foundation. The foundation aims to enhance the community through artistic and educational outreach. Renaissance the Runway accomplished this task by functioning not only as a fashion show, but by supporting local organizations in the process. The event was hosted at IP Casino Resort & Spa, and proceeds benefit the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, CASA, the DREAM Program, Rock U 2 and the Gulf Coast Youth Symphony.
8 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2016
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“Renaissance the Runway was an absolute success, and much bigger than we could have imagined,” said Todd Trenchard, executive director of The Bacot McCarty Foundation. “This event took a great deal of teamwork from all angles and we were lucky
to have such a supportive group of non-profits, boutiques and especially, models. We also want to thank Presenting Sponsor Butch Oustalet, Premiere Sponsor Charter Bank and all of our generous sponsors for helping to present this event.”
The fashion show was themed
after a day in the life of a Gulf Coast woman, and involved local retailers by featuring fashions from their stores. Volunteer models were styled by a variety of coastal stores, with hair and makeup provided by Chris’ Beauty College. The event raised funds for
the chosen organizations and charities through ticket sales as well as live and silent auction items. The fundraiser
was successful, and the Bacot McCarty Foundation hopes to continue the event in the future.
“Renaissance the Runway has definitely become a signature event for the IP Casino and the foundation,” said Kimberly Rasmussen, director
of programs at The Bacot McCarty Foundation. “We were overwhelmed with the number of inquiries into
how one can participate next year. We look forward to not only making this an annual event, but expanding it, as well. We are already working with the IP on how to make next year’s event bigger and better.”
In the future, the foundation is hoping to expand the event to include food as well as increase sponsorship and attendance opportunities.
Through their charitable events, The Bacot McCarty Foundation has become a household name across the Coast. “By identifying the unmet needs of our local community, we have played
PEOPLE fashionable fundraising
Rstory by Kelsey Sunderman photos by Teddy Lewis
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