A Fresh Start on Fashion a Success

Despite the wintry weather, Coach Callahan Charities and Fresh Start provided a peek into spring’s newest styles with the first annual Coach Callahan Charities: A Fresh Start on Fashion spring fashion show.  More than 300 people attended the event, which was held Friday evening at the Rococo Theater (134 No. 13th) in downtown Lincoln. 

 

The evening began at 6 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction, in which several unique and exclusive items and packages were up for bid.  Favorites included a “USC Game-day Husker Experience Ticket Package,” which gave the winning bidders the opportunity to attend the Sept. 15, 2007 football game and be on the field during the Tunnel Walk; autographed items from Nebraska’s three Heisman Trophy winners and current Chicago White Sox outfielder Darin Erstad, among other items.  A raffle was also held for two fantastic prizes.  The grand prize was a “Journey Necklace” of eight Lazare Diamonds, totaling one carat, donated by Wright’s Jewelers, while the second-place prize was a package featuring two tickets to the Oct. 20, 2007Nebraska vs. Texas A&M football game with pregame sideline passes.

 

Two of the three Nebraska Heisman winners ? Johnny Rodgers (1972) and Eric Crouch (2001) ? were on hand for autographs and pictures with attendees.  The photos were available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going toward Fresh Start. 

 

Following the social hour, an elegant sit-down dinner was served, catered by Green Gateau.  The fashion show began at 8:30, and featured several styles from Dillard’s, Murray’s for Men and Women of Stature and Holway Formal Wear, including casual and evening attire.  Center Stage Salon and Spa provided the newest hairstyles for the event, and Wright’s Jewelers provided fine jewelry for the models.

 

Entertainment for the evening was provided by University of Nebraska School of Music Associate Professor and expert performer Dr. Darryl White.  Nationally acclaimed, Dr. White has performed at jazz festivals, clubs, orchestras and studios, and was joined at the event by his jazz quintet.

 

The event also featured several members of the Husker family.  Veteran ESPN reporter and Nebraska alumna Shelley Smith served as the emcee for the evening, while several former Huskers, including greats Johnny Rodgers, Steve Taylor, Eric Crouch and Cory Ross, modeled.  They were joined on the runway by several members of the current football coaching staff and their families, athletic department employees, including Head Volleyball Coach John Cook and his wife, Wendy, and Athletic Director Steve Pederson and his wife, Tami, as well as recent Huskers Zac Taylor, Stewart Bradley, Brandon Rigoni and Jay Moore.

 

In addition to the clothing modeled, Wright’s Jewelers provided the extraordinary Lazare Diamond Jacket to be displayed and modeled at the event.  The jacket is the product of a partnership between Lazare Diamond, which is known for having the world’s most beautiful diamonds, and acclaimed Japanese designer Risuko Shiraham, and is valued at $1 million.  Wright’s Jewelers will also have the jacket on display at their store on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Several other local companies also generously provided valuable help for the event, including Lanoha Nurseries, Medical Aesthetics in Lincoln, the Lincoln Journal Star and “L” Magazine, Elliott Broadcasting Services, Jacob North Printing Company and the Husker Sports Network. 

 

All proceeds from the event will be put toward the construction of Fresh Start’s new facility to be built in Havelock to provide housing for women in need of a new home.  Fresh Start is a local charity that provides shelter, supportive services, and fulfills basic and emergency needs for women invested in attaining and maintaining self-sufficiency.  It is the only agency of its kind in Nebraska. 

 

The event was put on by Coach Callahan Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization that Head Football Coach Bill Callahan established to provide financial support, services and hope to economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth and families as well as non-profit organizations created to fight breast cancer and diabetes.  To date, Coach Callahan Charities has raised more than $200,000 through events such as Football 101 and the Fun Run/Walk for local charities.

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