Give a group of Rotarians a pile of discarded materials, a sewing machine and a good cause, and apparently there is no telling what might emerge.
The Recycled Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs are once again preparing to strut their stuff at Runway for Rise, the annual fundraiser for Rise Above Violence that turns recycled and repurposed materials into one-of-a-kind fashion creations.
Last year, the team turned heads with an unforgettable creation made from wine corks and soda can tabs, earning the coveted Catwalk Creative Award. The audience-voted honor recognizes the team making the most creative use of the required recycled materials, and the Recycled Rotarians proved they know how to turn trash into runway treasure.
Behind the laughter, elaborate costumes and runway theatrics is a cause that is anything but frivolous.
Rise Above Violence is a private nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, working to ensure that victims’ rights are exercised and their needs are met.
Runway for Rise brings the community together to support that mission through an evening that is equal parts creativity, competition and compassion.
The Recycled Rotarians have become enthusiastic participants, proving that a little imagination, a lot of recycled material and some very determined Rotarians can add up to something pretty remarkable.
They have also discovered that creating recycled couture is not exactly a one-person operation.
This year, Rotarians are among those helping sew up something wonderfully recycled for the team's return to the runway. What exactly are they making?
For now, that remains safely tucked behind the curtain.
And perhaps that is part of the fun.
Runway for Rise challenges teams to look at things most people might throw away and imagine something entirely different. Everyday materials are transformed into eveningwear, accessories and costumes worthy of their moment under the lights.
The Recycled Rotarians have some experience in that department.
Their previous creations have demonstrated that tomato cages, duct tape, old fabric and other castoffs can have surprisingly glamorous second careers. One memorable ensemble even incorporated wire tomato cages, duct tape, a wedding dress and furry snow boots fashioned from an old rug.
There is plenty of laughter involved, but the Rotarians' participation reflects something much bigger.
Rotary's motto is Service Above Self, and supporting organizations such as Rise Above Violence is one way local Rotarians put those words into action. Runway for Rise allows them to support an important community organization while doing something that also brings people together.
That combination of service and community is what makes the event special.
Want to help the Recycled Rotarians defend their Catwalk Creative title? Votes are just $1 each, and every vote supports Rise Above Violence. Vote for the Recycled Rotarians here:
https://www.riseaboveviolence.org/store/p333/Team_Recycled_Rotarians.html#/
For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, asking for help can require extraordinary courage. Rise Above Violence is there to help ensure survivors are heard, their rights are protected and their needs are addressed.
So while the audience may come to see what wild creation appears on the runway next, every costume represents something far more meaningful.
It represents a community choosing to stand with survivors.
And for the Recycled Rotarians, it is another opportunity to demonstrate that service doesn't always have to look serious to have a serious impact.
Sometimes it involves volunteering.
Sometimes it involves fundraising.
And sometimes it involves walking down a runway wearing something that, not long ago, might have been headed for the recycling bin.
Fashion may be temporary, but helping survivors rebuild their lives never goes out of style.