Fashion With a Purpose

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation held its “Night of Hollywood” Fashion Show, Sale and Dinner at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa on Saturday, July 11. The presenting sponsor for the evening was the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Theresa A Mike, Board Treasurer Robert Paull, Theresa Mike and Board  President Dean Mike. Photo by Pat Krause

About 250 guests arrived to see the many raffle prizes and silent auction items displayed throughout the event area. The items were donated by local businesses, organizations and supporters to help raise money for the scholarship programs of the Theresa A. Mike Foundation.

The evening began with a cultural sharing by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Bird Singers, who gave a traditional performance for the guests.

Models- photo by Pat Krause

Raising funds for scholarships was the main reason for holding the event. The money will help young people receive a better education and give them opportunities to enrich their lives through continued learning.

Dancers-Photo by Pat Krause

That was not the only purpose of the evening. Awards were also presented to many people who have been instrumental in helping the foundation achieve its goals. The first three honorees were Manny “The Movie Guy” De La Rosa, Jordan Solis and Indio Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Fermon. Other awards were presented throughout the evening to recognize additional supporters and community members.

Katie Boer served as the welcome host and emcee for the event. She announced the evening’s activities and introduced the entertainment by the Coachella Valley Dance Team.

Four young girls dressed in colorful costumes danced across the runway, which extended from the stage and out into the audience. They showed some great dance moves and also performed gymnastics. At one point, members of the team lifted one of the dancers into the air, drawing applause from the crowd.

Manny The Movie guy honoree-Photo by Pat Krause

Dinner was served during the fashion shows. The fashions came from local and national businesses, including Old Navy, Men’s Wearhouse, White House Black Market and Frank Clothiers.

More than 65 models participated in the show. The models included small children, men, women, couples and members of the community. The wide variety of models gave the fashion show a fun and family-friendly feeling.

The fashion show was presented in several segments between the announcements of raffle winners. There were 40 regular raffle items and 14 grand-prize raffle items.

During each segment of the fashion show, the name of the business providing the clothing was shown on a large video screen. This allowed the guests to see where each outfit came from while the models walked down the runway.

Some of the models danced their way along the runway, while others waved to the crowd. A few showed their happiness when guests clapped and cheered, especially when someone in the audience recognized a family member, friend or familiar face.

Those personal reactions made the fashion show enjoyable for both the models and the guests. The audience encouraged the participants throughout the evening, and the runway was filled with smiles, confidence and plenty of personality.

Raffle prizes were announced by Leanna and Michelle. Also taking part in the evening were Melissa Mike, Dineen and Lloyd Mike, along with Courtney Andrade-Gonzalez.

Videos were presented during the program to introduce scholarship recipients and recognize the evening’s award honorees. The videos gave guests a better understanding of the students being helped by the foundation and the people who continue to support its work.

Closing remarks were made by Robert Paull.

Theresa Mike died at the young age of 23. Following her death, the Mike family created the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation in her honor and to continue the dreams and goals she had for young people.

The foundation provides scholarships for full-time enrolled tribal members of any tribe, as well as non-Native students living in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin.

It was Theresa’s dream to enrich the lives of talented students who wanted to continue their education. Her vision also included preserving and supporting the history, culture and future of tribal communities.

The fashion show, dinner, awards and fundraising activities brought supporters together for an evening that was entertaining but also meaningful. The money raised will help students continue their education and carry Theresa’s dream into the future.