Fresh, cool, and bright was the morning of Saturday, September 21st in Dallas, and the same words describe The Elisa Project’s 4th Annual ESTEEM Fashion Show.
LeeAnne Locken, Cynthia Smoot & Scott Murray
Over mimosas and upbeat tunes, a sold-out crowd gathered for this year’s celebration of positive body image. Eager to watch a new crop of community celebrities strut the runway in designer looks, guests included mothers and daughters, best friends, and even a few dads and grandfathers. All rallied in support of The Elisa Project’s mission for the prevention and effective treatment of eating disorders through support, awareness, education, and advocacy.
Debbie Denmon, Rhonda Sargent Chambers & Courtney Edwards
Leading off the event, hostess Debbie Denmon, Chair Pam Skaggs Frank, and daughter Bridget Frank welcomed some 200-plus guests to the second floor showroom at Tootsies in the Plaza at Preston Center. Dr. Stephanie Setliff, M.D., delivered opening remarks. As Medical Director of the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas Pediatric Psychiatry Inpatient Unit and a board member of The Elisa Project, Dr. Setliff specializes in pediatric eating disorders. Her words emphasized the goals of the non-profit’s programs, all supported by the over $10,000 total funds raised through this year’s ESTEEM event.
Bridget Frank, Pam Skaggs Frank & Dr. Stephanie Setliff
As the show continued, notable locals including reality star Courtney Kerr, event planner Hamilton Sneed, philanthropist Yvonne Crum, actress LeeAnne Locken, blogger Cynthia Smoot, and broadcasting legend Scott Murray took to the runway. Each modeled fall looks from Tootsies while playfully mugging for multiple photographers and waving to pals in the audience.
Courtney Kerr & Hamilton Sneed
Yvonne Crum & Lisa Petty
“The generosity and energy were the highlight of the morning,” recalls Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Show Productions, founding producer of ESTEEM. “So many people came together for a great cause, and the event was full of laughter and joy! No egos, no agendas – just a big hug of support.”
Nerissa Von Helpenstill & Debbie Denmon
Wrapping the event, door prizes were awarded to many lucky winners. As models and guests departed, supportive hugs and words of encouragement spread through the venue. Congratulations to The Elisa Project on a successful event from all of us at DFW Style Daily. For more information and volunteer opportunities, visit TheElisaProject.org.
Dr. Stephanie Setliff image by Joseph Brewster. All additional images, credit Heather Lettieri for DFW Style Daily.