Fashion show helps students, others

"You can be anything you want when you grow up!"

How many of us were told that as children? Many dream of becoming a famous actor or musician, a successful professional or a sports star, but few people realize those dreams.

"So many teenagers ... want so many things but don't know the avenue to take," MarQuetta Rush recently told the Southeast Missourian, adding that many who have such dreams don't see a way to make them a reality.

With that in mind, Rush organized the "Dreams Don't Have an Expiration Date" Fashion Show, held March 5 at Franklin Elementary School.

During the show, outfits were modeled, dance teams performed and hosts gave inspirational speeches geared toward the youths. Proceeds from the show went to the Amen Center in Delta, which helps troubled me who have spent time in jail or struggled with addictions, and to a woman who was pregnant when she recently discovered she has ovarian cancer. (The baby has been born safely, and the woman is seeking treatment.)

Rush hopes to make the fashion show an annual event.

"Some of these kids have no one, and they need someone to help them. We want to be the ones that help them," Rush said. "... They need to know someone actually cares."

It's a rare project that is help so many groups and people at once. Thanks to Rush and all who worked to make the fashion show a reality.