The Interact Club at the Holy Cross College, Arima, with the support of several business owners and well-wishers, raised $21,000 at a fashion show to help one of its own, 16-year-old Stephon Garcia. He was diagnosed with cancer of his left femur last year and his leg was amputated from the hip in January. He moves around on crutches and the money raised would be put toward getting him a prosthetic leg. The money raised from the fashion show was one third of what is needed to successfully buy the prosthesis.
In response to two previous articles about the upcoming fashion show by the T&T Guardian, Arima residents and business owners, along with several citizens across the country pledged donations and supported the cause. Co-ordinating teacher for the club, Natasha Rahim, said Rodney’s Supermarket donated hampers, while Ferreira Optical provided a voucher for a pair of shades as a door prize.
Rahim said all the tickets were sold out by the day of the show on November 17 and more tickets were printed for people buying tickets on the day of the show at the school’s entrance. She said in spite of the heavy rain and a few designers pulling out at the last minute “everything came together.”
Dominique La Roshe Designs, Dexter Gill for Him/Dexter Gill for Her, Loud by Afiya, William M & Company, and Ecliffe Elie contributed a few of their pieces to the fashion show under the direction of creative director of Coco Velvet International Fashion Management Christopher Nathan. Garcia’s mother, Stephanie Garcia, said she was touched by the outpouring of support. Rahim said the Interact Club would not stop raising funds to help Garcia.
“We will not accept any ‘thank you’ before we see him walk the corridors without crutches,” she said. Garcia is scheduled to meet with T&T Orthotics and Prosthetics Ltd on Friday. He will be measured for a prosthetic, which is estimated to cost $60,000. To make a contribution go to any Republic Bank branch and make a deposit to account 460 485 744 331.