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WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, June 1, 2013, the Runway Youngins' of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) Sew ‘N Know Program will present the “Runway Youngins' Go Green” Sixth Annual Fashion Show from 2 pm to 5 pm, at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) located at 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE. Admission is free of charge.
In keeping with DPR's 'Move • Grow • Be Green' initiative, this years' annual fashion show will focus on a "Green" theme and will feature the personal designs and creations of the students from the Sew ‘N Know program at the SETLC. Fashion scenes will include “Goin' Green”, “Re Psych” and the “Emerald Finale”, also an environmental scientist from the DC Department of the Environment (DDOE) will speak. In addition, this year's fashion show will feature performances by Blacks in Wax characters Mayor Vincent C. Gray, First Lady Michelle Obama, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Gina McCarthy; designer Zakariya Gordon and a special performance will feature Drai Faulk, performing "Save the Children" by DC's own Marvin Gaye.
“The children and youth who participate in the Sew ‘N Know program have many talents, including athletic ability, academic prowess and a fantastic sense of fashion,” said DPR Director Jesús Aguirre. “This year's theme of 'Go Green', perfectly aligns with DPR's agency-wide 'Move • Grow • Be Green' initiative. It is never to early to teach our children the importance of being environmentally conscious. The participants, parents and staff are all to be congratulated on their dedication and hard work on ensuring the success of this program.”
For over 15 years, the Sew ‘N Know program has introduced hundreds of District youth, ages 7 to 17 years old, to the art, science, and business of sewing and the fashion industry. Students are able to learn an invaluable skill as they build their self-confidence. The Sew ‘N Know program is held five days a week, after school, at the SETLC.
The Recreation Wish List Committee was founded by Mrs. Cora Masters Barry to educate, empower and transform youth into excellent leaders of tomorrow. The Sew 'N Know program is supported by the Recreation Wish List Committee, Sewing Opportunities Never Ending (SONE), the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the DC Department of Health. The success and positive impact of the Sew ‘N Know program has been featured nationally on Voice of America, and in January 2009, Sew ‘N Know students were invited to help dress the attendees of the People's Inaugural Ball.
The Sew ‘N Know program is directed by program founder, Ms. Janice Rankins, who has been immersed in the fashion industry for 40 years. Ms. Rankins has worked in the wardrobe department of several Hollywood studios and has created designs for television shows such as Good Times, Gimme a Break!, and 227. In 1994, Ms. Rankins moved to the District and began designing clothing for select clientele.
ABOUT THE DC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The mission of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life and wellness of D.C. residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services, by organizing programs,activities and events, and by building and maintaining safe and beautiful open spaces and recreational amenities.
DPR currently operates 78 playgrounds, 68 recreation centers, 900 acres of park land, 40 aquatic features (pools and spray parks), 375 parks, over 200 play courts (basketball & tennis), and over 100 athletic fields.
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