The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) is excited to host the first ever Great Minds Couture for Kids Fashion Show! This fun-filled, fashion-forward event will engage supporters and raise funds to support critical programming and spaces at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB).
What exactly is a Couture for Kids Model?
It's all about blending fashion and philanthropy! Great Minds Couture for Kids aims to support children's brain health research and care through stylish fundraising initiatives. To kick things off, the University of Minnesota Foundation is hosting the inaugural Great Minds Couture for Kids fashion show. The goal? To raise $75,000 in our first year for the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). These funds will go towards vital programs and spaces at MIDB tailored to meet the needs of our young patients and their families. But it’s not just about fundraising-we’re also passionate about inspiring the next generation of philanthropists. Whether it's through hosting lemonade stands or other creative ideas, we believe that every small act of giving back can make a big difference. Join us in empowering kids helping kids!
What time is required?
Rehearsal:
Date: Monday, July 8, 2024
Time: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Hutton House | 10715 S Shore Dr, Medicine Lake, MN 55441
*Light snacks to be provided
Event day:
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hutton House | 10715 S Shore Dr, Medicine Lake, MN 55441
*Boxed lunch to be provided
Fitting prior to fashion show:
Date: To be mutually scheduled with Boutique
Time commitment: 30 minutes
Location: To be assigned per model
What does the day of the fashion show look like?
- Doors will open for the event at 11 a.m. on July 9th.
- Guests will check-in and receive their tote bags which will include a copy of the event program.
- Models, and select guardians, will be provided a box lunch to eat prior to changing into fashion show attire at 11:45 a.m.
- Boutiques will have all outfits and accessories ready onsite for each model and will assist guardians in getting models ready as needed.
Should I stay with my child participating in the fashion show before and after the walk?
- We recommend that all children under 10 remain with a guardian at all times
- Due to space limitations only one guardian is allowed backstage.
- All additional family members can register to attend the fashion show and be seated at one of our fashion show tables for lunch and the program.
- Anyone above the age of 10 can elect to have a guardian backstage, or our staff will be available and happy to help direct these models to where they need to be.
Where will my child be able to get ready before the show?
We will have the bridal suite upstairs divided into private dressing rooms.
Will hair and makeup services be provided before the show?
- Drybar will provide basic hair services at Hutton House starting at 10am - please sign up here if you’re interested in a 10 minute appointment.
- Due to timing constraints we will not be providing makeup services this year.
Once my child is ready, what’s next?
We will have kid friendly activities in the groom's suite upstairs to occupy children before we escort them downstairs and backstage for the fashion show portion of our event.
I have more than one child walking in the show. Can they walk together?
Yes, absolutely! We want all participants to enjoy their time and feel as comfortable as possible. Please let us know if that is the case so we can plan accordingly.
My child is nervous - can I walk with them?
We will have Jersey, MIDB’s facility dog, and Cala, Jersey’s handler, there to walk with any child who needs a little extra motivation. If your child still prefers you walk with them then yes, please do so to make them feel as comfortable as possible. This is supposed to be fun for everyone.
When will I pick my child’s outfit?
We have hand picked a boutique that each child will work with to select an outfit and complete a 30 minute fitting prior to the event. That individual information will be available soon and we will connect you with the boutique owner to get that fitting scheduled in early to mid June.
Can I keep the outfit my child wears?
- All outfits are available to purchase through the individual boutiques. Please work with the boutique owner to arrange the purchase of the outfit from them directly.
- If you choose not to purchase the outfit that is completely okay - you will just need to leave your child’s outfit with the boutique attendant after the show.
Is there a cost for family members to see the show?
There is no cost for family members to attend, however, we do ask that they register so we can account for them and have a meal ready at one of our fashion show tables.
How will my child’s photo be displayed?
Before event
- We are asking all models submit a high resolution headshot (500kb or higher) through our model form no later than June 5 to be displayed on our event website, printed program, and digitally at the event.
- During our Model Kickoff on May 30 we will have the option to get your child’s photo taken by a professional photographer.
- If you do NOT want your child’s photo on our event website please let Ashley Cook, UMF Event Manager, know at [email protected].
Onsite
- We will require all guardians of models under 18 years of age to fill out a consent form for permission to photograph - if you do NOT want your child to be photographed we will make a note of that for our photographers.
- We will send out a follow up email that will include photos from the fashion show and also promote the event afterwards through our social media channels.