When I decided to go ahead with the plans to create a new fashion organization for the Miami Valley, it was very important that Community Outreach was a priority. Not only did we want to show our support for local organizations out to make a positive difference in our community on a financial level but I wanted to make sure that we were very hands on in the various activities; in fact it’s required that all models on our roster volunteer at least 40 hours a year in their respective communities to remain active within (DE-FI).
So with that being said, we’re excited to announce that on Friday November 22, from 7p-9p the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is 
sponsoring the Circle of Vision Keepers Annual A Time to Be Thankful Event at the Payne Recreation Center in Moraine. Guest Speakers will include the Honorable Judge Walter Rice and Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman. The Circle of Vision Keepers is the official non-profit for (DE-FI) and the programs Director is (DE-FI)’s Director of Community Outreach Khadijah Ali. The organization’s main focus is to assist individuals who are battling substance abuse issues and/or are returning citizens looking to turn their lives around after being incarcerated. The Circle of Vision Keepers provides toiletries, clothing, non-perishable food items, and bus tokens for participants and their families year round and helps them prepare to re-enter the job market. The purpose of A Time to Be Thankful is to continue to build the esteem of the Circle of Vision Keepers participants by way of showing them the community does care about their well-being and growth as individuals from the Average Joe to our elected officials, in fact during our July 13th Launch Party, we did not serve alcohol at the event in an effort to foster a nurturing environment for the Circle of Vision Keepers participants who served as volunteers.
During A Time to Be Thankful there will be a Fashion Show produced by (DE-FI) using The Circle of Vision Keepers participants as models and they will be wearing clothing items from the Circles of Vision Keepers store, Gilmart & Co, Loralei’s Boutique, and (DE-FI) Designer Brenda Marone. Participants will also be recipients of makeovers being provided by (DE-FI)ance Magazine’s Assistant Editor and Chief Joshua Ladner, who is the owner of J Ladner’s Salon opening soon in the St. Clair Lofts and (DE-FI)’s Director of Beauty Lisa Scott, owner of Beaute Box. A $20 donation is requested from attendees which will cover the cost of the dinner that will be served and catered by Maryanne’s Kitchen but no one will be turned away for a meal due to an inability to pay and rumor has it that Santa Claus may be making a special appearance as well! (But you didn’t hear that from us!!) Tickets will be on sale Nov.1 and available at Beaute Box, J Ladner Salon and the Circle of Vision Keepers. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
We are currently requesting donations of hats, gloves, scarves, toys, and non-perishable food items to be given to participants and those in need. We are also giving away (10) Turkeys and food baskets to families in need! Donations can be dropped off at Beaute Box which is located at 116 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 and at the Circle of Vision Keepers located at 3401 Wood-man Dr. Suite 12, Kettering, Ohio 45429, please call the Circle of Vision Keepers to arrange a drop off of donations at 937-296-1077. Also if you or someone you know of is in need of a Holiday Basket please send an email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Special thanks to the City of Moraine and the Payne Recreational Center for donating their community room to us to hold the event! We hope to see you on November 22!!
