Picture this. Fashion from nine area boutiques worn by more than 40 diverse models interspersed with stories and commentary from six powerful women. The numbers are adding up. Now envision a family friendly event with food trucks, a kid’s zone, a business expo, music and more. There’s something to please everyone! And it’s all happening this Sunday on Chapel Hill’s Southern Village Green.
The idea for Walking On A Dream metamorphosized from a Christmas tree to a fashion show all in an effort to benefit HomeStart, the residential facility for homeless women and children on Homestead Road in Chapel Hill. Katy O’Leary is the brainchild behind the metamorphosis and has worked tirelessly to put all the elements in place for Sunday’s fashion show, down to every last detail for the day’s events. Katy owns and operates Rishi Salon and Spa in Southern Village. She took time out of her busy schedule to answer some behind the scenes questions about Sunday’s event.
Katy, why is Walking On A Dream so important to you?
It is important to me because, while I wasn’t homeless, I used the services of an organization similar to this many years ago, so I understand the importance of their services to women and children that need help. Additionally, I think it’s important to promote community awareness about HomeStart. There are so many misconceptions about homeless populations being that way by choice. The stereotype is that they are drug addicts, losers, lazy, etc., when that simply isn’t the case. Many of these women and their children are fleeing abusers, or were stay at home moms that have had a spouse die and have no money and no means to continue to support their children. Often times, these women and children in our community are passed by, overlooked, and ignored. I think we all move through our daily grind with blinders on sometimes. We worry about our hair, our clothing, the kind of car we drive, etc. We forget that all of those things are just luxuries, and that some of the women in our community are suffering, and have basic needs that aren’t being met. It’s so important for people to know that there are non-profit social service organizations that step in and care for these women and children when government programs fall short, which is often the case. Presently, this is particularly important because funding for many of our public social service programs have been drastically reduced. We are all so fortunate to live in such an abundant and vibrant area, so I thought this would be a great way for people in the community of Chapel Hill and in the Triangle Area to donate the small sum of $25 to a worthy cause, in exchange for a bit of entertainment and a few laughs.
And how does a busy business owner find time to organize such a big charitable event?
I have no idea! You just do it! I started all of this in January, and I can tell you, I haven’t had a full day off since Christmas – but this is simply that important to me. I also recruited my mom Janice Escott to help me, and she has become my right hand in all of this. Additionally, I have been blessed to have the participation of many volunteers that stepped up and wanted to help. It has gotten so much bigger than I originally anticipated, but people just kept calling me telling me that they wanted to be involved! So, the more the merrier!
How will women be empowered by attending Walking On A Dream – Putting Dreams Into Action?
The event will feature six amazing local women ranging in age from teen to 60’s, who will share their words of wisdom and stories of success! Just because someone may have been in a precarious situation, or have had a few shortcomings in their lives, doesn’t mean that they can’t ultimately be successful. But the word “success” doesn’t necessarily define measurement of material means. It’s important to remember that there are many successful women who aren’t rich, and whose fulfillment comes from amazing accomplishments instead! Think of archaeologist Jessi Halligan from Florida State University that is in the news this week. She led a team of archaeologists in underwater exploration, and found a site that proves that humans existed in the Americas 1500 years sooner than previously thought. Is she successful? I think she is!
The other unique thing is that all of the models are amateurs and they are all volunteers! There are women, and some men, of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors! Rishi’s tag line is “The Transcendence of Beauty”, which means that beauty transcends beyond the existence of the actual physical experience. Beauty exists at the core of a person and moves beyond color, shape, size, age, gender, or material means. I think this event definitely emulates that concept.
Any surprises or highlights that you want to share for Sunday’s event?
The show will feature a couple of local celebrities; Sheriff Charles Blackwood of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (and his “Dapper Deputies”), and News Reporter Andrea Blanford of ABC11 Eyewitness News. There will also be a Kid’s Zone by Tumble Gym, Food and Beer Trucks, and a Business Expo of ali our sponsors who have participated or donated to the event.
Can we look forward to Walking On A Dream being an annual Chapel Hill event?
Yes, absolutely! Next year, I will definitely need a second in command that can handle more of the organization. Are there any volunteers?
What is the best way to buy tickets to Walking On A Dream?
You can either buy your tickets on Rishi Salon & Spa’s webiste at www.rishisalonandspa.com, or directly from EventBrite. They can also come into the salon & spa and buy a ticket if they want to pay check or cash.
And can anyone walk up to buy a ticket on the day of the event?
You can definitely buy your ticket the day of the event, but we are encouraging everyone to buy it before the 22nd. The early bird price for a ticket is $25, and $15 for kids ages 6-11. On the day of the event, the price goes up to $35 for adults, and $25 for kids. Kids age 5 and under are free!
Because this is a benefit, we are encouraging everyone to buy a ticket, even if you can’t attend the event. You can give your ticket away, or just know that your money is going towards a worthy cause. The whole point is to raise money for HomeStart, and when you buy a ticket, your money will go to this amazing local institution that provides comfort to women and their children in their greatest time of need!
For more details about the event and helpful Q&A check out this Eventbrite link.
So, let’s make a date for Sunday, May 22 at 3:00 PM. Mark it on your calendar. Enjoy fashion, food and fun all for a very worthy cause. Then stay for the Summer Outdoor Concert Series starting at 6:00 PM on the Southern Village Green featuring the jazzy/funky feel of ZamBamBoogee. That’s music to my ears! Don’t forget your dancing shoes. I’ve got your Sunday Funday covered for sure. Be there rain or shine!
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines