Teen Court benefits from latest FemCity fashion fundraiser

FemCity never fails to impress with its festive themes for the fashion show fundraiser it typically holds at Bird Key Yacht Club, whether members are getting groovy at a disco or embracing a tropical traipse through the world of fashion with a Hawaiian theme. 

Although members had to shift their biggest public event of the year across the bay while the yacht club navigates its clubhouse rebuild, they carried on the tradition of fantastic fundraiser fashion shows with an "Egyptian Night" on Friday at Marina Jack.

Bringing together fashion and fundraising, Longboat-based artist Medge Jaspan coordinated the latest FemCity event to support Teen Court with the fashion show, dinner and raffle. She provided some of her own artistic designs for the fashion show, including a flowing blue fabric inspired by her travels in Mykonos.

Jaspan thanked the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce for partnering on the charity event, along with other contributors.

The Sarasota-based nonprofit provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the justice system, aiming to redirect adolescents ages 8 to 18 with a misdemeanor or low-level, nonviolent felony charge. Rather than starting down a slippery slope, they have the chance to participate in Teen Court. 

Artist Jackie Williams, a member of FemCity who has volunteered with Teen Court for several years, joined half a dozen other artists in walking the runway.

"It's about learning a lesson, not about punishment," she said. "It's not meant to scare."

Importantly, the program also allows certain misdemeanors to be expunged, which Williams said plays an important part in keeping doors open for college applications and scholarship opportunities.

FemCity board member Michele D'Ambrosio, who also walked the runway, said the organization was glad to support Teen Court Sarasota, Inc. this year. She said this event is an excellent example of how FemCity works to uplift local women in business through positivity, trust and enthusiasm.

"I'm so grateful to be a member of FemCity for four years with my dear friend, Medge, who is an original," she said.

Fellow designer Eliett Cardamone also provided outfits from her shop, Oh La La Moda, for this year's fashion show.