Fashion for Hope is a fall fashion show being held at Bistro 28 at the Athletic Club of Bend on Wednesday, October 12 from 4:30-6:30pm as a fundraiser for Hope Academy, a school being built for girls with no access to education  in Guatemala.

Hope Academy is being spearheaded by Kathy Morgan, who was shocked by how  poverty in Guatemala continues uninterrupted, generation to generation, when she first visited the country to adopt her daughter, Elliana, in 2008.

Morgan says, “The saddest thing for me, as I took home Elliana, to our country, was knowing that her female peers would never have access to opportunities for education and enrichment that would help them better their own lives and those of their community. Kathy  discovered that a school for girls was being planned by Tree for Hope, another non-profit,  and they were seeking donations to build Hope Academy.  Her organization, Branches Foundation, decided to partner with Tree for Hope, who has a very large presence in Guatemala, to help build Hope Academy. That is how the school was conceived, and today we are actively seeking funds to make it real for these girls.”

Since that time Morgan’s charity, Branches Foundation is in the process of raising funds to build and support Hope Academy. The school will be located in a rural area outside of Guatemala City_ and will host girls ages 2 to 18 when it opens, which may still be a few years out.

Fashion for Hope will feature fall clothing and ensembles from local stores Jubeelee,  Lulus Boutique, Sudara  and Wander NW Kids!. Models will include a number of teenage young women representing area high schools as well as adults. Entrance to the show is $35 and includes the show, a drink and appetizers.

Branches Foundation held a successful Valentine’s Gala and Auction at the Oxford Hotel in February of this year, which netted over $13,000 as well created great interest in another event.

Fashion for Hope will be the organization’s second fundraiser.

Tickets may  be purchased online at  www.branchesfrombend.com or by visiting Lulus  Boutique or Jubilee in downtown Bend.