South Coast Plaza is no stranger to fashion shows. The staff at SCP produces amazing runway productions for many high profile nonprofit events that feature professional models in the latest designer clothing. But there’s something sweetly unique about the Teen Project Fashion show, held for its second year poolside on the rooftop deck of the Westin South Coast Plaza. It features 40 or so OC high school kids as models, as well as a few emancipated foster youths who are part of the Teen Project program.
The event, chaired by Jen Blanchfield and Deborah Keillor, is held to raise awareness and funds for local kids aging out of the foster system when they turn 18. The statistics when it comes to homelessness, addiction and more among former foster kids is sobering. They need help.
Founded by Lauri Burns, the Teen Project provides at-risk teens the resources and support of a family unit by providing safe housing, financial support toward a higher education, counseling and mentoring. After hearing remarkable success stories from former foster youths like Kiera Kohlman, it’s clear why the fashionable OC teens are committed to the cause.
