Earlier this fall, I climbed Pinnacle Mountain with my family. It was one of the first mornings that really had a bit of chill in the air. From that moment I had the bug. You know the one. It causes that itch for autumn in Arkansas where pumpkins adorn many a front stoop, the leaves change and so do fashions. Everything’s cooler, including the clothes.

The Junior League of Little Rock has jumped into fall fashion this year like kids into a pile of leaves. The organization focused on promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community has set its sights on tweens through a new fundraising event called Glitz & Glamour.

“We are extremely excited to be introducing this and reaching out to a younger demographic. This event will include elegant desserts and the latest in girls’ fashions for women of all ages to enjoy. We’re expecting a crowd of 400 guests and hope to raise $20,000 to support the community projects of the Junior League,” states Holiday House Publicity Chair Margaret Payne.

Tween fashionistas and their families will enjoy viewing the latest in fall fashions as well as help the community move forward by supporting JLLR’s various philanthropic initiatives. The Glitz & Glamour fashion show is in conjunction with the Holiday House shopping event.

So what does Holiday House help fund?

• Boosters and Big Rigs - This is a health and safety event where the Arkansas Department of Health (Pulaski County) provides immunizations while children have the opportunity to touch and learn about vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, boats, and more.
• Families and Communities Together (FACT) - This is a mentoring program for pregnant young women and young parents from the Centers for Youth and Families, focusing on continuing education and delaying future pregnancies while teaching positive parenting skills. Approximately 100 young moms have been mentored since 2008.
• Girls Realizing Opportunity Within (GROW) - Targeting girls at six area middle schools, this program strives to develop inner confidence and leadership skills. It includes a “Cooking Matters” curriculum, designed to promote healthy decisions. Over 400 girls have graduated from the program since 2004.
• Nightingales - These weekly events provide diversionary activities for parents and families at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the UAMS Family Home. Holiday meals are served to over 200 people at both locations. Waiting area treats are provided in hospitals.
• Stuff the Bus - School supplies are provided to over 3,000 students at seven schools most in need with a goal of self-confidence in students by providing the tools to be successful in the classroom.

Glitz & Glamour

What: Fashion show for tween girls 4-12. Desserts and sweet treats will be served.
When: Saturday, November 1, 2014 between 2-4 p.m.
Where: Statehouse Convention Center, Wally Allen Ballroom (in conjunction with Holiday House)
Ticket prices: $25 per seat, $250 for a block of 10 seats together
Sponsored by Dillard’s