A new group called Models For Charity recently held a fashion show to help kick off their fundraiser to help raise money for local charities.  Started by local model and attorney Michelle Congleton (pictured above), the new charity group held its first event, a "Carnevale" fashion show last Tuesday, December 8th at the restored All Saints Chapel at 110 S. East Street in downtown Raleigh.

The All Saints Chapel is now owned by local developer Greg Hatem and is used as events venue. Hatem donated use of the church for the fashion show and other local businesses also helped to pitch in to make the evening possible, with food donated by Five Star Chinese Restaurant, 101 Cafe, and other restaurants.

Local clothing stores such as Thimbler and Catch 22 donated the clothes used in the fashion show while Salon 21 donated makeup and hairstyling. In the Carnevale theme, workers at the show exhibited elaborate face paints and guests were offered boutonnières upon entry.

During the fashion show, Congleton explained that each of the various models have chosen their own favorite charities and will be donating a percentage of any modeling fees received in the near future to those charities.

The charities chosen by the various models included everything from the ASPCA to a group that helps families of active duty soldiers who are stationed overseas.

Those participating in the fashion show included some well-known models such as Raleigh's Courtney O'Connor who has appeared in the Victoria's Secret TV show. But those appearing on the runway also included some locals who are doing modeling on the side including a Wake County assistant district attorney, business men and women and other professionals.

In addition to fashion, there was some humor as well offered by the MC's who interacted with the crowd before and after the model walks.

The event was very well attended with a couple of hundred people present and many people at the event praised Congleton for how well the event was organized.  "I can't wait to see the turnout at our next event," said Congleton, who said that she hopes to host more events in the future.