Toys for Tots Celebrity Fashion Show and Fundraiser

Model wearing gown by Anton Zbarzh at the Toys for Tots Fashion Show & Fundraiser

On Friday, December 16th, I attended the 21st Annual Toys for Tots Celebrity Fashion Show and Fundraiser. Presented by Councilman Zack Reed and the Marine Corps at the Westin hotel in beautiful downtown Cleveland, the fundraiser is a yearly event that collects toys and money for underprivileged children in Northeast Ohio while highlighting local celebrities, designers and boutique owners.

Sponsored by the U.S. Marines, Toys for Tots has been around since the 1940's, but two decades ago Councilman Zack Reed and three of his friends decided to form a fundraiser event around the charity. They added the fashion portion with the help of Brandy Bright of Brandy Bright Media about five years ago and recently included professional ballroom dancer Tony Gray, and professional line dancer Robert Johnson who brought their dance groups in to entertain while the celebrity models got ready for the show.

The fashion show was emceed by LeeAnn Sommers of the morning show "Brian and LeeAnn" on 99.5 WGAR, and featured the familiar faces of Clevelanders like Fox 8's Melissa Reid and Carrie Young, Sports Time Ohio host Ashley Collins, Hotcards owner John Gadd, Channel 19's Mark Nolan and Harry Boomer, TV20's Leah Haslage, pro golfer Jimmy Hanlin, the Cavalier Girls and members of the Cleveland Indians and Browns teams. ​Participating designers and boutiques included Diane Linston, Anton Zbarzh, Jevon Terance, Tre Sorelle Boutique, Sugar Loves Spice, Sweet Caroline Boutique, Clozer Clothing Company and Sophia Boutique all showing select pieces from their collections.

It was so cool seeing the personalities of people you see everyday on television and around the city. They got up on that runway with their families and friends and had a good time walking, dancing and dabbing for a great cause. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! 

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