As a father of three daughters who have now grown into beautiful young women, I often find myself reminiscing about the days of old, where our house was filled with toys of all shapes and sizes. There were EZ Bake Ovens and Lite Bright and Hungry Hungry Hippos. Games were everywhere. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders and Life were favorites of the girls and were played on a constant basis. But more than anything, there were dolls. Barbie Dolls with Dream Houses and jets and remote controlled cars and even a Barbie Cruise Ship still, to this day, fill the toy closet in the basement where my wife vows every week to change the whole thing over to a linen closet. Honestly, I don’t think it’ll ever happen. Those toys are just as important in our family as Buzz and Woody were to Andy. Yet, as we all know, and sometimes sadly so, kids don’t stay kids forever. They grow up and out of their old ways, leaving their toys behind. Witness Emily and Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story 2.
But we as parents never let go. As I write this I know exactly where my daughters’ prized dolls are, boxed and protected for future generations of our family tree. They are the best of the best, the American Girl Doll Collection. If you have a daughter you’re familiar with them I’m sure. They have identities, and names and background stories that most real people wish they had. And they have clothes, oh do they have clothes. Priceless collections of dresses and accessories and hats and shoes. Shoes!
So what happens when little girls grow up and become teenagers? Well, in this instance, they become The American Girls in real life. And with a good cause behind them.
On October 21st, there will be three separate fashion shows a little different than the ones you see during Fashion Week in New York City where tall, skinny supermodels strut the runways, pouting and preening for all the world to see. This New Jersey show is a benefit for the Special Olympics New Jersey and will feature some of New Jersey’s finest young ladies modeling some of the classic costumes from the American Girl Collection. The shows will give young girls a chance to peek into the past, and then see what’s new for special occasions, school, sleep and play. They’ll discover how generations of American girls have used clothing to express their style and personality through the stories of the American Girl characters. Also included are snacks, favors, and great American Girl raffle and auction prizes
ABOUT SONJ: Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Oct. 21
10:00
1:30
4:30
Forsgate Country Club Monroe Township
Reservations and Information:
www.sonj.org
agfsINFO@sonj.org