Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ Sustainability Under the Stars Returns Sept. 17
Annual runway event celebrates circular fashion and regional design talent
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Fashion with a purpose will take center stage at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ annual Sustainability Under the Stars on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-9 p.m. at The Highline Rochester.
The runway show will feature one-of-a-kind looks created from Goodwill finds by regional artists and designers who will transform thrifted materials into wearable art. Offering a local, sustainable take on New York Fashion Week, each collection will be made with at least 75% secondhand materials sourced from Goodwill stores and will highlight the designers’ creativity, craftsmanship and approach to sustainable fashion.
Goodwill received more than 50 applications for spots at this year’s showcase. Featured designers include Annalee Capuano, Michaelangelo Martinez, Kathleen O’Dell, Alesha Pendell, Mariella Sheree, and Nay’osia Ridley — the first-ever junior designer and Goodwill Learning Academy graduate to be featured at the event.
“Sustainability Under the Stars is a powerful way to bring the story of sustainability to life,” Goodwill of the Finger Lakes President and CEO Jennifer Lake said. “Fashion is personal, and by showcasing secondhand, vintage and repurposed clothing on the runway, we can demonstrate that reuse is not a compromise — it’s creative, stylish, impactful and trend-worthy. Last year, we kept 28.8 million pounds of donated goods in circulation, giving those items a new life while advancing our mission programs that strengthen our community.”
Tickets are available now and admission includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, valet parking, raffle prizes and more. All proceeds from the event will support Goodwill’s community programs and services, including 211/LIFE LINE, Goodwill Learning Academy, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Goodwill Vision Services. 13WHAM News will serve as the media sponsor, with anchors Karen Edwards and Lowell Rose taking the runway to model some of the featured designs.
To purchase tickets to Sustainability Under the Stars or for more information about Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, visit goodwillfingerlakes.org.
About Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes positively impacts the lives of more than 171,000 people each year through its mission: Elevating people, community and planet for a good today and better tomorrow. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, the organization’s unique social enterprise model takes an innovative approach to sustainability, workforce development and job creation opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment while also generating revenue to support its many community impact programs and services. Goodwill’s community impact programs include Goodwill Vision Enterprises (formerly ABVI, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired), 211/LIFE LINE, workforce development, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Goodwill Learning Academy, with a long and successful history of providing essential services to the Finger Lakes region. The organization’s more than 750 individuals use their passion and expertise to find innovative solutions to address pressing social needs. Learn more at goodwillfingerlakes.org.