Children Shine at ECHO Fashion Show

For the kids participating in the ninth annual Kids Helping Kids fashion show to benefit the Brandon Emergency Care Clinic, it's all about the fashions and chance to strut their stuff on the runway.

But, for Cami Gibertini of Valrico, who's been involved in the fashion show as model coordinator and chairwoman all nine years, there's a more important reason for this year's 45 models to participate in the fashion show.

"While they're dressing up and having a great time, they're learning how to give back to their community, something I hope they continue doing the rest of their lives," said Gibertini, who also sits on the board of ECHO and is the 2011-12 honorary mayor of Brandon. "They're learning an important life lesson about giving to those less fortunate them themselves. We're striving to instill in these children empathy and compassion for others."

ECHO executive director Stacey Efaw see the less fortunate on a daily basis. Many residents, she said, are simply trapped in circumstances beyond their control.

According to Efaw, one in eight families in Hillsborough County rely on food pantries.

Recently, a longtime Valrico couple walked through ECHO's doors at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in a state of panic. A woman they knew had simply dropped off her child at their house, telling them she was unable to care for her anymore.

"The child had only one outfit," said Efaw. "We were able to give them hundreds of dollars' worth of clothing, toys, shoes and other items for the child."

Then there was the desperate dad who appeared at ECHO two weeks ago after losing his job. He had two children and a wife to feed but no money.

"Those are just three of the 5,000 children we've helped through ECHO this year," said Efaw.

Since 1987, the nonproft organization has provided food and clothing to the area's residents facing emergency needs, people who need a helping hand until the next job opportunity comes along or until they qualify for government assistance.

Fundraisers such as the Kids Helping Kids fashion show supplement the nonprofit's donations of food and clothing from the community.

"The generosity of this community amazes me," Gibertini said. "And it makes me proud to see these kids take part like this."

To participate in the fashion show, each of the 45 models had to raise at least $100.

The children participated in a yard sale, hit up relatives for donations, solicited area businesses and even opened up their personal piggy banks to raise the funds.

As an additional incentive, the children were told that the one who raised the most money would be crowned Miss ECHO and ride in next year's Fourth of July parade in Brandon.

This year that honor went to 15-year-old student Nicole Pinner, who raised $330.

"This is my second year modeling for the fashion show," said Pinner. "I do it because I love helping people and it's fun to meet all the girls."

To raise her funds, Pinner went to local businesses and family friends, and asked for donations.

Chloe Macon, 11, of Brandon, broke open her piggy bank and Maya Barcza, 11, a Burns Middle School student, solicited sponsorships from family and friends.

"However they chose to raise the funds, they all did a great job," Gibertini said.

This year's models were: Mikayla Amend, Kaleigh Arens, Lauren Austin, Maya Barcza, Alyssa Bassett, Sydney Canfield, Maria Caplan, Sawyer Carlton, Shelby Carlton, Jordan Deese, Dhani Deveaux, Julia Donaldson, Emma Efaw, Hannah Efaw, Vanessa Facenda, Sofie Friedman, Kaitlyn Fuson, Kaya Gallatin, Haley Gibertini, Isabella Gill, Megan Goldberg, Devon Grandison, Megan Hoening, Cassaundra Jackowski, Josiah Jacoby, Trista Kulesa, Chloe Macon, Rebecca Monaghan, Jordan Northrop, Bailey O'Brien, Madison O'Leary, Marin O'Leary, Sarah Overly, Isabella Pannone, Nicole Pinner, Alexis Royal, Emily Ryan, Gwenyth Smith, Alexis Somervill, Izabella Sosa, Rachel Turner, Devon Walker, Gabriella Weinstein and Olivia Weinstein.

Committee members for this year's fashion show were Shannon Carlton, model coordinator, Stacey Efaw, Lynn Langowski, Amanda Cooley, Lori Libhart, Melissa Svendsen, Lynn Wilks, Nerizza Miyamoto and Kathy Collins, who also serves as the president of ECHO's board of directors.