February 11, 2008

Extravaganza features students' clothing designs

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Fashion design and merchandising students from Southern Illinois University Carbondale are going to costume the place red for a good cause – literally!

The students will participate in the Red Extravaganza on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, located at 2300 Reed Station Parkway in Carbondale. The young women will show their original handmade red clothing designs during the 7 p.m. fashion show. An entire segment of the gala will showcase the unique student creations in red. Local merchants will participate as well.

Proceeds of the fifth annual Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Carbondale Alumnae Chapter's Red Extravaganza go to a pair of charitable causes. The gala benefits the American Heart Association and the sorority's scholarship fund that provides a scholarship annually to a Carbondale Community High School graduate.

The evening begins with an art exhibit and reception at 6 p.m. The Willow Street Dance Studio's "Hip Hop Dancers" will entertain. Visitors can enjoy the artistic creations of SIUC faculty and local artisans alongside works created by Carbondale third- and fourth-graders participating in the "Color It Red" art contest.

February is the American Heart Association's American Heart Month, so of course there will be ample information available that evening about heart health. Heart surgeon Dr. Paula Gurnnip will be on hand at the reception. The slate includes a benefit silent auction and raffle too.

Tickets for the Red Extravaganza are $10 each and available at the door or in advance from any chapter member or by calling Jenise Wilson at 618/529-3466. Wilson and Lavell Hayes are co-chairs of the event.