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Mother’s Day Recap: Champs for Autism Celebrates Second Annual Children’s Fashion Show
The models strutted elegantly down the ballroom’s red carpet, clad in what could only be described as their Sunday’s best.
Donning Minion-covered bowties, career-ready costumes and dresses that would make even Cinderella jealous, the attendees made sure to work every eye and camera in the room.
Sun beaming brightly, this past Mother’s Day the halls of Fordham University were filled with food, fashion, and the laughter of children.
“Just seeing everybody clap for them, the children, their big ol’ smiles on their faces, that can’t be beat,” said Dr. Stephanie Addo, mother, event organizer, and founder of the advocacy group, Champs for Autism.
Hosting its second annual charity fashion show, an event where children both with and without disabilities can interact and enjoy themselves, she created the group with inclusion in mind.
As a mother three children, two of which have with forms of autism, Addo was aware of the struggles related to the disorder, and designed an environment free of the pressures children with the affliction are so often made to face.
“These types of events really help out the children and it also helps the parents to, just to say their child participated in something,” she said.
And with the proceeds from gatherings like these, Addo intends to open a private school for children with autism in the Bronx, the first of its kind.
The turnout proved more than enough to occupy the spacious ballroom where parents and vendors gathered to clap and cheer participants as they cycled through outfits with grace and poise to pop hits and R&B classics.
Capped off with a rendition of the popular “Nae Nae” dance, awards of participation were distributed and all in attendance were thanked and reminded to continue pushing for the excellence of their children.
“I just think these things are a necessity, especially for children with autism, just to feel that empowerment,” Addo summarily stated.
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