43 North Iowa throws spooktacular fashion show

The show included more than 30 models wearing looks from Moorman’s and Affordables, and featured clients at 43 North Iowa, Affordables staff, and members of the Mason City High School dance team. The show included a day look, a career look, a holiday look, and then a “spooktacular” finale, made up of model-selected Halloween costumes from the racks of Affordables. 

Students from La James College provided all the hair and makeup. Bill Philips of local band Sweet Nuthins played a live acoustic set during intermission, and charcuterie cups packed with pickles and cheeses were provided by Roots Nutrition Counseling. 

According to Cindy Christie, assistant manager at Affordables, the staff at 43 North Iowa have been planning the fashion show since August. “It’s one of my favorite events,” she said. 

John Derryberry, executive director at 43 North Iowa, told the story of one model there the organization had moved into an intensive care program. “Six months ago, they were sitting in inpatient psych and basically were (told), ‘No one really wants to take you in the community.’ Well, we took them in,” Derryberry said. “And they’re here tonight, healthy, and walking the runway.”

Theresa Price, 43 North Iowa’s development, planning, and community engagement coordinator, said the funds raised would help 43 North Iowa provide its roster of services, as well as being a fun and accessible event to raise awareness about the nonprofit’s mission. She said her favorite part was how joyful the evening was. 

Derryberry agreed. “I don’t know how else to capture the event than just to say how joyful,” Derryberry said. “So thank you for sharing in the joy of it.”