To honor their beloved dog Rusty who was hit by a car near Oddfellows Park, Jess Toft and her daughters are throwing their support behind Runway Revival, an upcoming community event that promotes environmental sustainability.
In the spirit of healing and community, the Toft’s have decided to honor Rusty’s memory by participating in the fashion show fundraiser sponsored by the Community Action Center. The event on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Carleton College Weitz Center for Creativity, celebrates environmental sustainability through upcycled, wearable art.
Runway Revival 2024 will feature an impressive lineup of designers who have transformed discarded and repurposed materials into 27 stunning runway-ready fashion pieces. This year’s show will spotlight the talent and vision of local artists committed to promoting environmental sustainability through their designs. The event serves as both a fashion showcase and a fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting CAC’s mission to provide essential services to our neighbors throughout Rice County, said Anika Rychner, Senior Director at Community Action Center.
The fashion show will feature a diverse array of looks, from elegant evening wear to avant-garde creations, all crafted from materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. Designers have been encouraged to explore creative uses for upcycled textiles, paper products, and other repurposed items, turning them into fashion statements that inspire change.
“Runway Revival is more than just a fashion show; it’s a statement about the power of creativity and community to drive positive change,” said Rychner. “We are thrilled to bring together local talent and supporters to celebrate sustainable fashion and raise crucial funds for our programs.”
Rychner explained the highlights of the event include the show itself featuring an eclectic mix of fashion designed from recycled materials, including fabric scraps, and paper products, as well as a silent auction, raffle, refreshments and socializing.
“Runway Revival aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the importance of sustainable practices,” said Rychner. “By reimagining waste as art, the designers are challenging conventional notions of fashion and consumption. The event also underscores CAC’s commitment to fostering community engagement and support for local causes.”
Toft and her daughters said the were excited to be strutting the fashion runway to support a good cause. Both daughters will be wearing special dresses in tribute to Rusty, adorned with his favorite toys and upcycled doggy bags.
“This has been a meaningful part of our grieving process and has brought us closer as a family, reminding us of the importance of community support,” said Toft.
To encourage the community to slow down while driving on Northfield streets, Toft also wrote a recent Letter to the Editor in the Northfield News asking the community to implement traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, increased signage, and stricter enforcement of speed limits, all measures that could significantly enhance the safety of Northfield streets.
“By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can prevent further accidents and ensure a safer environment for all residents,” said Toft. “I hope that by coming together, we can make a positive difference in our community.”
IF YOU GO
To attend this year’s Runway Revival to be held on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6-9 p.m. at Carleton’s Weitz Center for Creativity, the Community Action Center is asking for a suggested donation of $25 in advance of the event or $35 at the door. The CAC will offer this event in both English and Spanish.
The CAC has chosen a sliding scale ticket system for the event to increase inclusivity and address income inequality. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit communityactioncenter.org/runway-revival-2024.
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