For the Spring 08 semester, the on-campus client for PRSSA was Hofstra University's chapter of NAACP.
With HINT, the NAACP put together a benefit fashion show with up and coming designers to raise money for Invisible Children, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness for the children in Northern Uganda. The show was hosted by Fonzworth Bentley, hip hop artist, entertainter, and fashion designer but most famously known for being personal assistant to Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Friday, May 2nd, was a gray and drizzly night as fashion show attendees filed into the tent located on Hofstra University's intramural fields. PRSSA committee members were there to welcome arriving media. The swag tent was planned to be opened at 6 pm with vendors such as Apple. The show was intended to start at 8pm.
Though the show started an hour later than previously scheduled (rumors about a late arrival by Mr. Bentley circulated), the dj Mr. Gyaliss did an excellent job maintaining a lively mood inside the tent. Hofstra University's own celebrity Micah Jesse made an appearance. Mr. Bentley introduced the show and was sure to mention the cause of Invisible Children, Inc., and asked for the audience to remember we are "not in this world by ourselves."
The purpose of creating an agency with Hofstra's chapter of PRSSA is to gain experience in public and media relations as well as learning through the process. In hindsight, some committee members acknowledged that more communication was needed between the client and the committee as well as a more efficient job in strong media communication the day of the event.
However, the fashion show displaying designs inspired by the past century was entertaining and a success. A personal favorite of mine was during the 1950's segment when they simulated a resurrected Ray Charles. The inside of the tent was completely full; despite additional seating added at the last minute, some late audience members had to stand but didn't seem to mind.
