The Lake Foundation recently hosted a unique fashion show fundraiser aimed at raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues. The event creatively intertwined fashion and mental health, with each piece modeled inspired by different mental health concepts such as anxiety and depression.
Jeffrey Lake, President of the Lake Foundation, shared his motivation for the event, explaining, “My personal passion for fashion and the intertwining of mental health with the creative aspect and what that means in the research of positive psychology. This event all ties together to be able to break down the stigma of mental health.”
The fundraiser was also supported by WNEP, which served as a sponsor for the evening. Meteorologist Jeremy Lewan from Stormtracker 16 emceed the event, delivering an impactful message: “This evening is more than just mystery and glamour. It’s an opportunity for us to collectively address and unmask the stigma surrounding mental health.”
The models showcased dresses that were carefully designed to represent the complexities of mental health. For many, volunteering for the event was a deeply rewarding experience. Charlotte Simpson, a model, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s great, it’s a wonderful experience. I love being in fashion shows, and I love helping people, so combining the two really makes me feel amazing.”
Shanice Nelson, another model, shared a personal connection to the event: “I am in psychology personally, I believe in mental health. To be doing something that I love, like modeling, and then psychology and mental health, it’s a new exciting thing for me.”
The event also attracted local professionals, including Jillian Matyjevich, a behavioral health nurse. She attended to support the cause, stating, “I decided to come. I saw it actually advertised on WNEP, and I love the education, I love advocacy, and being that I work with people in this community, I just had to participate.”
The event not only highlighted the importance of mental health awareness but also created a platform for individuals to connect through fashion, art, and education, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
