Weekly Feature: Cirque de Couture

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design  

SARPA (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention Agency) has a spectacular event coming up on September 9, 2011 to raise awareness and funds for their program called Cirque de Couture.  Cirque de Couture is established as their second annual fashion designer contest and fashion show to raise awareness and funds for the 501(c)3 non-profit (Tax ID#: 71-0567897). Here is a breakdown of all the services they provide:

Direct Survivor Services:

• 1-800 crisis and referral hotline
• one-on-one advocacy
• semi-monthly support groups
• 24-hour advocacy escorts (medical/police/legal)
• volunteer program

Education and Prevention:

• 1-800 education hotline
• educational seminars and presentations
• trainings to professionals
• awareness activities
• public resource library
• volunteer program

Adult Sexual Assault Response Team with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Clinic:

Utilizing a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, SARPA works with various disciplines to coordinate a response team when survivors need immediate assistance.

This 24/7 program is an alternative to going to the hospital or another medical clinic. SARPA provides a private community based clinic, where a survivor can receive support, advocacy, education, referrals, and a medical examination by a certified or qualified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), who is specifically trained to work with sexual assault survivors and gather evidence for the police and prosecution.

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

Now more about this fabulous event!

As the non-profit states, "SARPA fashion design competition entails about 200 guests who enjoy a culmination of music and fashion. Last year local musicians “Hardaway & the Commoners” performed on the runway as designers showed looks. Audience vote determined a winner. The fashion show highlights the designs of local designers with interest greatly expanded this year.  Many designers from Little Rock, Arkansas have expressed interest in participating in the competition. One important appeal to designers is the presence of many local store owners/managers and providing a venue for exposure to many retailers at once."

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

                    They are still looking for sponsors and I would encourage anyone with an interest in helping the safety of their community living in Arkansas to participate in the sponsorship program.  This event will also generate more interest in the fashion industry as a whole.  If you or your company want to promote the fashion scene locally, this is an opportunity to get involved and encourage more events like this.  Fashion shows and design competitions get great response in Arkansas, because it is what the public wants.  When you have the chance to not only attend an event such as Cirque de Couture, but also to become involved and have your name/business attached, take this occasion to rock it out and go for it!

Nicole Linn with SARPA and event promoter says, " I tell all the people involved don't think of this as a fashion show, think of it as a production.  The models are going to have to look alive out there, because they may have to dodge a stray balloon or beachball." 

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with  Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

Sounds like a blast to me!  I will be there and I hope to see you all there, too.  $10 general admission pre-show tickets and $12 at the door.  Reserved seating and VIP tables are available as well.

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Contact Nicole Linn at: alananici@yahoo.com