Goodwill does more than just sell used clothing and furniture. “You might see a shirt, or a toaster, or a chair,” but at Goodwill, they only “see opportunities”. Through their job training and educational programs, they’ve given tens of thousands of people opportunities for training and self-betterment. In fact, in just one year, Seattle Goodwill served 9, 248 people including 112 who earned their GEDs or high school diplomas, 21 who gained citizenship, and 104 who enrolled in tech/community college. They offer work readiness programs, vocational training, youth programs, and support services (help with food, housing, transportation, etc).

They only host one fundraiser per year; the Seattle Goodwill Glitter Gala and Fashion Show. This year’s fundraiser was held on November 6 and was a huge success, raising $425,000 which, this year, will help fund the youth programs. Seattle Goodwill’s youth programs “focus on college and work readiness. With various programs that serve youths aged 15 – 24, the long-term programs help high school students and beyond learn skills that will help them in their education and careers. Seattle Goodwill also offers support to students as they work toward graduation, college, and a career.” One such program is the Green Corps, a partnership between Seattle Goodwill Industries and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. Open to young adults ages 18-24, The Green Corps Program provides on-the-job training in parks maintenance and environmental practices.

Over 30 local fashion design students participated in the Fashion show and design challenge. With the theme “In the City”, the designers were challenged to refashion and repurpose Goodwill’s used clothing into runway-ready pieces. They were helped and coached along the way

The outfits were evaluated by a panel of judges during the fashion show. The judging criteria was:

Creativity

• Inspired interpretation of the theme “In the City”
• Unexpected and/or untraditional use of materials;
• Incorporation of coordinating accessories to complete the “look.”

Construction

• Incorporation of repurposed materials from Seattle Goodwill (minimum 90%);
• Level of complexity;
• Attention to detail and finishing.

Relevance

• Exemplifies theme;
• Exhibits aura of high fashion and glamour;
• Appropriateness for runway show.

Here are some of the fun, stylish, and creative looks from the show:

(photo source)

These are stunning pieces, no? And if you didn’t know better, you’d never guess they were crafted from cast-offs. They look, for all intents and purposes, like the belong on a high-fashion runway. Who knows? Maybe the Glitter Gala and Fashion Show will inspire other designers to repurpse, reinvent, and refashion more!

For more information about Goodwill’s programs, or to learn about how you can help, visit their website here. You can also find more information about the Glitter Gala here, too.

And please don’t forget: Textiles are not trash. Please don’t throw away used clothing items, used shoes, old towels, etc. Gently used items can be donated, worn, torn, or stained items can be recycled (check with your local waste collection agency or municipality to find out about textile recycling in your area), and even worn out shoes can be recycled. You can make a difference!