On Heels of Hit Fashion Show, Success Indeed Going Fall Style for 2nd Fundraiser
Some students discover that their career path may not include traditional college — and that’s OK. That’s the message and support the recently formed nonprofit Success Indeed wants to share with Brevard County students and their families, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Anjanette Wicks, the eloquently soft-spoken but fierce founder of Success Indeed, said she was called to find a way to connect students needing or wanting an alternative career path with experts and professionals who can assist them. After many years teaching Sunday school and interacting with families at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, she knew there were alternative ways to lead students toward success.
She quickly found a way to rally the community around the cause — fashion show fundraisers.
“Success Indeed’s mission is to invest in our youth by unlocking possibilities for achieving successful and viable vocational career paths if they are not ready for college,” Wicks explained. “We aim to find their interests, gifts, talents, and treasures to mentor them toward achieving a rewarding and successful career. It brings joy to my heart when engaging with students about realistic goals for their career path. My vision is clear, and so is my strategy to help our kids.”
Wicks gathered a team, and with the help of Dillard’s at Merritt Square Mall providing summer looks, they hosted the organization’s first fundraiser — a fun fashion show luncheon that raised funding to support Success Indeed’s end-of-year youth event, scholarships and plenty of awareness.
The Success Indeed team welcomes educational counselors, mentors, ambassadors and sponsors to assist students interested in mapping their future possibilities.
“Most pleasing to me was the excitement and endorsement from our community, coming together to volunteer, network, and sponsor Success Indeed's vision to invest in our youth's most changeling decisions for a successful career path for life after high school,” Wicks said.
“The event demonstrated an explicit agreement that we are in this together and will win together if we invest now in our youth to strengthen our community.”
The April fashion show was such a hit, Wicks said what was planned to be an annual event is already having a second go this year, with the next fashion show fundraiser happening Aug. 26. The Fashion Palooza, Fall Edition will feature 20 models of all ages showcasing the latest fall looks from Dillard’s. Models will include local professionals and students, plus some of the chefs partaking in the food portion of the day. Actress and repeat participant 10-year-old Ella Grace Helton will kick off the event again by singing the national anthem.
This $35 ticket to the fundraiser, like the inaugural event, will include lunch, but be even more special this time with a Cajun food “battle” that will see several local eateries competing for best Cajun flavor in Brevard County. Wicks promises some food options, including a salad bar, for those who prefer an alternative to Cajun cuisine.
Proceeds from the Success Indeed fashion shows and additional events go toward resources to assist Brevard youth not ready to attend college in mapping out their career path of vocational studies after high school.
“Our goal is the success of our youth. We are grateful for many business owners that whole heartily embrace the mission; I am thankful, yet overwhelmed with the support from the community and our youth wanting the help,” Wicks said.
Come prepared to shop!! Dillard's also will have merchandise to sell on-site at the fashion event.
If You Go
What: Fashion Palooza, Fall Edition
When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 12-3 p.m.
Where: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community, 5655 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL 32940
Tickets cost $35 for the fundraiser and include lunch. They are available at Achieve Beautiful Skin, 5462 Village Drive, Viera, FL 32955 or online HERE.
More information: anjanette1@yahoo.com
Get Tastebuds Ready for Cajun
Eateries participating in the Best Cajun Flavor Contest:
Lizette's Cajun Bistro
28 North Gastropub
Fish Camp Grill
Philibert's Kitchen
Chef L Jae's Cajun House on Wheels
Menu:
Cajun chicken pasta, red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, catfish po boys and roast beef po boys.
Map It
