fourpoints Magazine

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Wichita's OT Promotes CMN Fundraiser Models for Miracles

Monday, 23 September 2013 06:19

Models for Miracles started in Wichita, Kansas, in 2010 as an opportunity for individuals to engage in leadership opportunities, serve their community, and raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The original executive board was comprised of three women and one teen who had a vision to raise money for CMN in a unique way that might better engage teens.

 

The teen board member, Megan Keller, is the current Miss Wichita’s Outstanding Teen. She created the vision for the Teen Advisory Board and Teen Ambassadors for Models for Miracles. The Teen Advisory Board, of which Megan is president, has representatives from each of the local high schools on it and meets once a month, alongside the executive board. The Teen Advisory Board markets, recruits, organizes, and participates in the annual Models for Miracles Fashion show. Teen Ambassadors are additional representatives from schools and help with recruitment of models. 

The premise behind Models for Miracles is simple: Create a fun, exciting fashion show where anyone who wants to model can—regardless of size, experience, age, or exceptionality. Models each sell ten $5 tickets to the show and are provided with an outfit or two from participating boutiques to model during the show. Sponsor salons provide hair and makeup services, so the models are truly getting a fashion show experience! 

In its inaugural year, January 2012, eighty women participated in Models for Miracles and raised approximately $5,000 for CMN. Last year’s show in February 2013, included more than 115 models and raised more than $9,000 for CMN! The Teen Advisory Board truly led the way with additional recruitment efforts. Megan even choreographed a flash mob performance that the Teen Advisory Board members performed! This year’s show will be February 23, 2014, and the goal is to have two hundred models.

Models for Miracles is about empowerment, service, leadership, and helping others in our community. Megan has taken this message and shared it with countless teens to further promote this event and CMN. As Lao Tzu once said, “a great leader is one who acts as a catalyst—igniting others into action.” Megan is truly igniting others into action.

Megan’s involvement with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a natural one. Jill Moody Bosley, Megan’s aunt, is the Director of Development for CMNH for Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, and her youngest brother, Kody, age nine, was a recipient of CMNH support. 

Source: Mandy Ronan, MKOTeen Producer