SAULT STE. MARIE — A fashion show is being hosted in late October to benefit a local Infertility Awareness and Support fund as provided by the Chippewa County Community Foundation.
Debbie Jones, Chippewa County Community Foundation executive director, said Shelli Bishop approached her with the idea of helping families in the community that struggle with infertility.
“Last year, (Bishop) put on a fashion show that raised funds for a local family,” Jones said. “With the success she had, she wanted to establish a more formal process for raising funds and providing support for local families. We discussed what the money could be used for, how families would apply and the process for choosing the families. Once we worked out the details, the agreement was signed and the fund was formed.”
A Cut Above the Rest Salon and Spa will be hosting the fashion show starting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club, located at 1520 Riverside Dr. Tickets will be available at A Cut Above the Rest in the evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. for $30 each. Bishop warned the public that these tickets sell out fast.
According to Bishop, 20 models will be featured in the Infertility Awareness Fashion Show this year. The event will feature hair designs from A Cut Above the Rest and fashions from Janice Nicholls.
“This year’s show is going to tell a story in a fashion show format,” said Bishop. “It’s about confinement to complete freedom. We believe it will speak to our audience no matter what your story may be.”
The Infertility Awareness and Support fund is considered a “special projects fund.” Jones said this is different from the community foundation’s normal endowment fund in that the principal can be spent. The Chippewa County Community Foundation uses special project funds for groups that are just getting started and need a fiduciary for the fundraising efforts. By using the community foundation, they don’t need to obtain their own nonprofit status.
Jones explained that there are numerous local couples that struggle with infertility and the cost of fertility procedures is often expensive. In most cases, insurance does not cover the cost.
“When a family receives a diagnosis of infertility, it can be heartbreaking, but they are then also faced with the hardship of the actual cost of moving forward with testing, infertility, treatments or adoption expenses,” said Bishop. “The financial costs can be overwhelming and just not possible for some families to proceed in the dream of starting a family. I would love to help a family find joy in starting a family as this cause is very close to my heart.”
Couples that are faced with infertility issues will support a letter to the committee. The committee will be made up of no less than four individuals that have had infertility issues in the past. The board will review the letters and all information will be kept confidential. The committee will then select the family in the most need of the financial donation and this recommendation will be forwarded to the Chippewa County Community Foundation for approval.
If you or someone you know is affected with infertility, send a letter to A Cut Above the Rest addressed to Shelli Bishop to be considered for the fund.
“Over the past year, the Chippewa County Community Foundation has established five endowment funds in memory of people that have passed away,” Jones said. “I feel like we have come full circle by establishing a fund that will help bring new life into the community.”
Online donations for this fund can be made at www.chippewacountycommunityfoundation.org. Alternatively, donations can be also mailed to:
Chippewa County Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1979
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Bishop publicly thanked Janice Nicholls for costume designs, Jay London for photography, Mark SanAngelo of Sovereign Communications as DJ, voice actor Keith Michaels as the host of the show, Jen Knackstandt as the lead makeup artist and Jessica Johnston for helping with custom outfits, makeup and sign design.
“I would like to give a huge thank you to all of the local businesses who have already sent donation checks and made beautiful baskets for our silent auction,” said Bishop. “Our family in need will be so grateful. This event would not be possible without your support. Last but not least, I am so grateful to Flo and the rest of her salon family, our models and make-up artists who are going to make this a night to truly remember.”
For information on establishing a fund with the Chippewa County Community Foundation, contact Jones at (906) 635-1046.
— Contact News Reporter Taylor Worsham at tworsham@sooeveningnews.com.
