Big crowd expected for ‘Live, Live!’

By Katie Cole (Contact) | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A front row seat will be hard to come by at this weekend’s “LIVE Live” fashion show at Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults.

Organizer Taylor Yates, a Dadeville native and the reigning Miss Chattahoochee Valley, said well over 100 people have bought tickets for the fundraiser, which will benefit both Camp ASCCA and the Children’s Miracle Network, which is supported by the Miss Alabama program.

“Our numbers are fantastic,” Yates said on Wednesday. “I couldn’t be more excited.”

The show will feature prom and pageant dresses created by Jonathan Kayne, a Project Runway season three finalist. The fashion fundraiser idea developed last fall after the Auburn University apparel design student completed an internship with Kayne.

Yates, who is deaf in one year, has volunteered for Camp ASCCA in the past and her pageant platform, LIVE, is devoted to supporting people with disabilities. The fashion show seemed like the perfect way to combine these two passions.

Yates said she is a little surprised by the turnout. She wanted at least 50 people to attend so they could break even, but she was hoping for at least 100.

“I could not have asked for a better response. We surpassed (50) and then we surpassed our next goal, making it to 100,” Yates said. “Hopefully it’s something we’ll be able to do next year as well and maybe incorporate a new designer.”

Yates has promoted the show heavily, even appearing on Wake Up Alabama Thursday morning. She also credits her former mentor with creating interest.

“He’s a big draw,” she said. “If you follow Project Runway, you’ll recognize him.”

Dana Rickman, director of marketing and communication, said that to her knowledge, the fashion show is the first fundraiser of its type at Camp ASCCA.

“It’s a fun way to draw attention,” Rickman said. “We look forward to it and spreading the word about Camp ASCCA and Taylor.”

The show will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, at Camp ASCCA at 11 a.m. and tickets cost $25 per person including a meal. A table of eight can also be purchased for $200.

Tickets may be bought at the door, but Yates encourages people to purchase tickets beforehand.

Yates is also looking for event sponsors. There are four levels of sponsorship: bronze, $50; silver, $125; gold, $325; and platinum, $525.

For more information about tickets or sponsors, e-mail Yates at misschatt@gmail.com or call (256) 825-0814.

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