The 7th Annual Sisters on the Runway Benefit Fashion Show is coming up this Sunday night at 7 p.m. in the UMass Campus Center Auditorium. It is a show you will not want to miss! We sat down with Amy Lipinski, events coordinator for Sisters on the Runway, to learn more about this powerful organization and we even got some insider details on the upcoming show!Â
Her Campus UMass Amherst:Â Can you tell us a little bit about the Sisters on the Runway organization?
Amy Lipinski: Sisters on the Runway is a national organization that inspires students to raise awareness for domestic violence victims and survivors. We hold many fundraising events all leading up to our large-scale annual fashion show occurring on March 26 this year. All of our proceeds go to a local women’s shelter in Northampton called Safe Passage. Our club has largely benefited Safe Passage and their efforts to help these victims.Â
HC: Can you give us any insider details about what is going to happen at the fashion show on Sunday?Â
AL: Well, I personally was amazed at how well put together the event was in the past, especially since it is an all student run club. Usually, the show starts with a red carpet photo-taking opportunity while everyone gets the chance to snack on mock-tails and desserts donated by Chef Simon Stevenson from the UMass Bakeshop! The show includes speakers, performances, and a runway fashion show with our volunteer models and donated clothing. Concluding the show, we hold a silent raffle with some great gift baskets from our various sponsors. We also sell some of the merchandise featured in the show for a super discounted price! It’s an all around great night.
HC:Â How did you get involved with Sisters on the Runway?Â
AL: I got involved in Sisters on the Runway my sophomore year of college. I actually started out as a model for two consecutive years and then got elected on the e-board as an event coordinator for my senior year. My main goal for joining Sisters on the Runway was to get involved on campus and to befriend new people, but as it went on, I became really passionate about getting involved in the cause. I am able to get involved more than ever as an event coordinator, making decisions regarding sponsors, events, and everything surrounding our annual fashion show!
HC: What is your favorite part about Sisters on the Runway?Â
AL: After my three-year involvement with Sisters on the Runway, the fashion show gets better every year. The event is so well put together and people are so happy to be there. At the end of the day, it is so satisfying to know that we are raising money to help the victims and survivors of domestic violence that are local to our community.
HC: How can somebody get tickets for the show?Â
AL: Tickets are super easy to get! You can purchase tickets at the door on Sunday or online.
All images courtesy of Amy Lipinski.