'Brothers' dress to impress for annual charity fundraiser

Date: 5/10/2010

May 10, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- There are brothers who can dress and those who can't. For those who struggle with the concept and want to gain valuable fashion tips while promoting a great cause, there's hope.

The Springfield Alumnae Chapter (SAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting its Brothers That Dress fashion show and scholarship fundraiser on May 15. Prominent African-American males from Greater Springfield will model local fashions under the direction of host and stand-up comedian Drew Fraser.

Nicole Crenshaw, treasurer of SAC and coordinator of the event, said this could be a "landmark" year for the show, grossing $10,000 for her non-profit organization. SAC provides scholarships and programming for those in the region as mandated by the sorority's programmatic thrust.

"We'd love to increase the amount of scholarship money [we allocate] because the cost of college continues to go up," Crenshaw said. "We're involved in various projects so we're trying to step it up and give more back to the community."

Willette Johnson, a member of SAC, echoed Crenshaw's sentiments, adding that this event also helps to expose local youth to prominent role models in Western Massachusetts.

"We invited men who we thought had respect in the community and people . . . who are about something," she said.

Twenty-five such men have been invited to be part of the show, including Putnam High School Principal Kevin McCaskill; Pastor Timothy Jones of First Central Baptist Church in Chicopee; and Springfield Police Officer Charlie Youmans.

The models will sport fashions from Men's Warehouse, Liberty Jean Company, JCPenney Outlet and more.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the CityStage box office, via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 204-2124. Admission includes cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m., the fashion show from 7 to 9 p.m., and a reception to follow.

For more information about the show or SAC, e-mail Crenshaw at btd@dstspringfield.org or visit www.dstspringfield.org.