Manatee Healthy Start Coalition to hold Fashion Show for a Cause

BRADENTON – The Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County will host a fun fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, October 12 at 11:30 am at the Renaissance on 9th to support its Infant Safe Sleep Campaign. Bay News 9’s Summer Smith will emcee the event, which will feature fabulous fashions from Bradenton shops, Rusty Crickett’s and Unique Boutique. 

Local celebrity models will include Maj. Connie Shingledecker of the Manatee Sheriff’s Office, former executive director of Manasota SOLVE Donna Vellenga, as well as members from AAUW, the Democratic Women’s Club, Turning Points and Manatee Glens.

Fay Murphy will delight the audience with her music, 12th Circuit Court Judge Durand Adams will offer the opening invocation, and Sherkendra Burch, Healthy Start infant safe sleep spokesperson, will share her testimonial.

Attendees will also have a chance to win exciting prizes through the silent auction, including gift certificates for great area restaurants and theater and music venues.

Launched in 2004, Healthy Start’s Infant Safe Sleep Campaign is an on-going initiative to engage parents, family members, and the community at- large in education to prevent accidental sleep-related deaths and promote safe sleep awareness. 

In addition to empowering families with information and support, Healthy Start also provides them with the tools necessary to ensure they have a safe place for their babies to sleep including cribs, pack n’plays, and Moses bassinets, hand-assembled by an army of volunteers. 

The luncheon is open to the public and families are welcome.  Donations are $30 and advanced reservations are required. Please visit www.hsmanatee.com or call 941-714-7541 ext. 302 for more information. Healthy Start Manatee is a 501(c) (3) and $15 of your donation is tax deductible.

Established in 1992, Healthy Start Manatee is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants in Manatee County. Visit www.hsmanatee.com to learn more.