A fashion show fundraiser for kids and adults

In an effort to bring awareness to a new Web site, South Carson Street McDonald's owners Sharon and Chris Kassity are holding a fashion show fundraiser Saturday.

Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Reno, and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

"It's odd (fashion show fundraiser in a McDonald's Restaurant), but it's an idea for a fundraiser," said Sharon Kassity. "It's to help build my Web site sales. I hope to do fashion shows in major cities across the nation."

Kassity's Web site is www.kidshopekidsfuture.com. Twenty percent of funds from designated items sold go to one of the two charities.

Two fashion shows will be held Saturday in the McDonald's Restaurant. To help with the fashions, Kassity has enlisted the assistance of students from St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School.

"The kids are so excited to do this. We have a run-through on Friday," Kassity said.

Kassity, 49, said she is a cancer survivor, coming up on five years cancer-free. Her mother and grandmother are breast cancer survivors.

"I was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, and that kind of inspired the Web site," she said. "When the community purchases things for their children from the Web site, 20 percent of the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House in their community.

Either to Reno, or Boston or New Orleans " I can track orders and will send the proceeds quarterly after the sales reports come in."

Items available on the Web site include fashions from Bonjour Fleurette, Skagen Designs, Crumb Chum, Manly Man Candle Company, Sweat Pea Gallery, Antz Imports and many others. They are for children, men and women.

"There are tooth fairy pillows, knit beanie hats, flip flops, body butter stuff, wool caps with the logo on them " a fair amount of stuff. And the money stays local. That's a good thing."

Kassity said the fundraiser will also help promote health by bringing awareness of children and adult diseases. Five computer stations will be set up at the fundraiser for people to browse and get information. There will also be free sampling of McDonald's products, plus Ronald McDonald will be there for photos, $5 a piece.

Two fashion shows will be held, the first from noon-1:30 p.m., the second from 2-3:30 p.m. McDonald's is at 3905 S. Carson St. Special guests in attendance include Dawn Gibbons and other local celebrities.

For information, call 825-1727.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.