Project Funway, an annual fashion design competition and runway show, combines creative talent with community support by benefiting Fresh Start Home, a non-profit housing program for women experiencing homelessness. The event showcases the innovation of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and local designers who create unique pieces from repurposed materials.
A representative from Charity Ace, which assists with fundraising efforts, emphasized the dual purpose of the event. The representative stated that Project Funway merges design innovation with meaningful community impact, noting excitement about the event's annual growth and its empowerment of designers working with cast-off materials.
The 2024 event demonstrated significant success, featuring 49 unique designs that captivated over 260 attendees. Building on this momentum, the 2025 Project Funway will take place on November 7 at The Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Ticket information will become available in late summer, providing fashion enthusiasts and philanthropists with opportunities to participate in this distinctive event.
To further support Fresh Start Home's mission, organizers are offering a special raffle package that includes a luxurious hotel stay, a gift card, and VIP tickets to the show. Raffle tickets are priced at $10 each, allowing attendees to contribute to the cause while potentially enhancing their event experience.
The event relies on sponsorship support, with various opportunities available including Exclusive Runway, Red Carpet, Auction, Wine Pull, Trendsetter, and Vogue Small Business sponsorships. Project Funway maintains collaborative relationships with the UNL Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design, along with appreciation for all sponsor contributions that make the event possible.
This initiative represents how creative industries can directly address social challenges, particularly homelessness among women, while promoting sustainable fashion practices through the use of repurposed materials. The event's growth indicates increasing community engagement with both fashion innovation and philanthropic causes, demonstrating how artistic expression can drive tangible social impact.
