Partners in Learning

SALISBURY — Partners In Learning lined up top talent, special-needs models and dozens of local sponsors and volunteers to showcase its annual ‘Just As I Am’ fashion show at Trinity Oaks last Saturday. Proceeds and ongoing donations from the event will go to the center’s scholarship fund that assist the families with special needs children with financial support.

“There’s few things better than a fashion show with adorable children,” Norma Honeycutt, Partners In Learning executive director, said. “The event helped raise funds and awareness of the importance of services for young children with special needs. It was a huge success due to our incredible group of supporters who continue to recognize the needs of young children and their families in our community; we are so grateful for continued support. The event far exceeded my expectations. All of the models were precious and seemed to enjoy the limelight. The event really highlighted the fact that inclusion works and everyone left feeling inspired!”

The clothing for the children and their moms was provided by Old Navy on Faith Road, along with the many community-minded sponsors including: Wells Fargo, Trinity Oaks, Anonymous, Greg and Missie Alcorn, Ryan and Wivianny DeHaas, Novant Health, Celia Jarrett, Salisbury Pediatrics, Cheerwine, Central Carolina, Stayce Harborth, Hotwire Communications, Gaines and Nancy Beard, Cannon Health Pharmacy, F&M Bank, Karla Foster, K-Dee Jewelry and Charles, Prudy Taylor, Moose Pharmacy, Stewart and Noel Adams, Stewart and Noel Adams, Lyn and Jay Boulter, Christopher and Renee Bradshaw, Davis Group, Michael Hanzlik Edward Jones, Fisher-Greene Insurance, Dr. Fortner, John and Kyna Grubb, Gail Kimbali, Susan King, Sarah and Keith Knight, The Lettered Lily, Susan and Edward Norvell, Libby Post, Salisbury Academy, David Googe Voya, Financial Advisors and Dr. Aerik Williams.

“We especially want to thank our special guests for attending, Doug Rice, president PRN as our Master of Ceremonies; Will Rodgers, NASCAR Next driver, and Charlotte Motor Speedway for sending along their mascot LugNut and their Toyota pace car to make this day extra special for our students,” Amy Vestal, committee co-chair, said. “Our silent auction was a success thanks to local businesses such as Morgan Ridge Vineyards, Tilley Harley Davidson, Koko Java and many others.”

The annual fashion show is in memory of an alumni Jacob Usher who passed away in 2015, at the age of seven.