Project Back-to-School Runway

The 18th annual Back-to-School Style Show & Brunch will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa.

In a blog post by Sarah Edsall, who works with the communications team for Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), and who has developed close relationships with multiple children from the organization’s four campuses, Sarah relates what she’s learned from her experience: “Every child who comes to live at OBHC brings with them their own individual personality, distinctive care needs and a unique background story. As different as they are from one another, every child I’ve met has something in common. They are good – no, GREAT – kids who are full of potential and hope for their futures. For most children in our care, moving to OBHC was not out of consequence for their own actions, but rather a crisis in their family.”

The mission of OBHC is to help children become capable, caring Christian adults by sharing Christ’s love and providing hope and homes for children. As the organization does not receive any government assistance, OBHC hosts a large fundraising event each year to purchase school and church clothes for the children, as well as provide any other basic needs. For the 18th year, the OBHC Owasso campus will host the Back-to-School Style Show & Brunch, with all proceeds directly benefitting OBHC children. The event will take place Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa.

According to Donna Brooks, Regional Development Director for OBHC Owasso, “It’s a very special day for the children – a day when the focus is completely on them. In addition to receiving the clothing they need for the year, they feel loved and valued. The children love to show off their new clothes, and the audience loves to cheer them on.”

This year’s theme is “Anchored in Hope.” Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The event kicks off with a silent auction from 9 to 10:15 a.m. A variety of exciting experiences will be available to bid on, including golf packages; tickets to Big Splash, Disney On Ice and sports events; hot air balloon rides; spa packages and massages; and a trail ride at Tatanka Ranch, in addition to themed baskets, unique jewelry, home décor items and more. The Style Show begins at 10:30, while a delicious brunch is served by the Renaissance Hotel. At the show, each child will model one outfit. Videos of the children speaking will be shown, presenting stories, anecdotes and testimonies as they share how living at the Children’s Home has changed their lives and provided both hope and a home.

Back by popular demand will be a bed turning by Judy Howard of Buckboard Quilts. Attendees are invited to come early to choose from a large selection of heirloom-quality quilts. “Judy donates all proceeds of the quilts to the children of OBHC,” adds Donna.

For the 11th year, News on 6 anchor LeAnne Taylor will return as emcee of the show. “LeAnne has such a fun personality. She comes before the show to meet with the children, joking with them and making them feel comfortable and at ease. They absolutely love her,” says Donna.

Prior to the show, the children are treated to a special shopping day at Dillard’s in Promenade Mall. “Dennis Hix, manager of Dillard’s, provides the children with a wonderful experience. They receive breakfast and lunch, and volunteers help the children shop, showing them current fashions and guiding them to the perfect outfit in the right size. It’s a very special day,” says Donna.  

Tickets to the Back-to-School Style Show & Brunch are $20, or $200 for a table of 10, and must be reserved in advance by calling (918) 272-2233. “Come share this special day of Christian fellowship as we celebrate what God is doing in the lives of children,” Donna adds.

OBHC has been helping Oklahoma children for over a hundred years, beginning as an orphanage in 1903. The Owasso campus opened in 1973, providing basic residential services to boys and girls ages 5 through college age.