Beyond the Fashion

By Jillian McGehee | Photography by Lily Darragh | Clothing & Accessories provided by Vesta’s | Hair by Amy Hester with Red Beauty Lounge Makeup by Augusta Andrews with B. Barnett

This civic leader was forever changed the first time she experienced the transcendent joy of a heartfelt fashion event. Invited by her friend, Rachel Harding, Jacquelyn Harrison – a wife, mother and lawyer – attended her first Easter Seals Arkansas The Fashion Event three years ago. She had recently moved back to Little Rock with her husband Brian to work for Munson, Rowlett, Moore and Boone, P.A., and wanted to become involved in the community. “I left that night knowing I had to find out more about Easter Seals and how I could get involved with The Fashion Event,” Jacquelyn says. And since becoming a mother in 2014, she empathizes even more with the critical services Easter Seals provides for families.

Since 1944, Easter Seals Arkansas has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training, the organization offers a variety of services to address obstacles and achieve personal goals. Just last year, more than 20,000 individuals received services, training and information from Easter Seals Arkansas – an indication that Arkansas families rely on Easter Seals Arkansas more than ever before. Support for events throughout the year, including The Fashion Event, provide children and adults with disabilities the life-changing services to help them reach their full potential.

Although she grew up in Little Rock, Jacquelyn notes that she didn’t have a strong sense of Easter Seals’ mission until attending that first fashion show. She “jumped” at the opportunity to serve on The Fashion Event Committee two years ago, and her leadership role continues to evolve as she serves as chairperson this year. She also serves on the Guardians – the organization’s young professionals auxiliary group – Board of Directors.

The Fashion Event features Easter Seals Arkansas clients – both children and adults – and showcases their independence as they walk the runway. The ninth annual event includes professional models as well and highlights this spring’s most extraordinary looks from premier local boutiques. Under the limelight and dressed in beautiful apparel, Easter Seals models have a chance to shine. “Each is an inspiration and a testament to what Easter Seals is all about, which is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs have equal opportunities in their communities,” Jacquelyn adds.

Events make Easter Seals Arkansas services more accessible, Jacquelyn says. “Public contributions help cover the difference between actual program costs and what the families receiving services from Easter Seals can afford.” Proceeds from The Fashion Event go toward funding much-needed services offered by the organization. The expressions on Easter Seals’ models faces make it all worth it. She notes, “Their faces as they strut the runway with their families cheering through tears of pride and joy at getting to watch their child showcase his or her latest accomplishments simply cannot be described, only felt in your heart.”