A #GarbageGala Fairytale Ending

Well folks, the Garbage Bag Gala is over. St. Louis Salvation's Army inaugrual Garbage Bag Gala July 27 was a magical night indeed, complete with a samurai, dancers, two brides, a groom, a Southern Belle, flapper and other fabulously amazing characters. Needless to say, it was a night to remember for sure! 

The goal was to raise awareness for homelessness, but more importantly, raise funds to allow The Salvation Army to continue to help homeless in our area through various programs. The Salvation Army set a monetary goal of $10,000. It wasn't just a dream. The Salvation Army team and volunteers worked super hard to make the night oh so special. And wouldn't you know it! It was a dream come true! Maybe you'd call it a happily ever after. The St. Louis Salvation Army not only reached that goal, but surpassed it by $9,700! That’s right, in one night, The Salvation Army raised a grand total of $19,700!

Shocked? You shouldn't be!

Designers created one-of-a-kind outfits, modeled by 17 models at the Moonrise Hotel. It was a Project Runway-isk event with a contest and two prizes. Models danced, walked, and strutted their designs in the Moonrise Hotel lobby. There was laughing and hollering for their favorite designs (and models). Needless to say, the fashion show itself was rather entertaining.

Aaron Perlut, with Elasticity, and his designer, June Grieg, won first place. Aaron sported a trashy Hawaiian shirt and short shorts for his casual outfit, followed by a high-class samurai ensemble, clenching him first place. Needless to say, Mr. Perlut was also entertaining, perhaps a crowd favorite. 

Jenna Petroff and her oh so young designer, Lexi Koenig, won second place. Jenna wore a flapper inspired blue and purple striped dress for her casual outfit and a beautifully large, black, Southern Belle like formal dress made with chicken wire and trash bags.

To complete the gala, DJ Epic provided music, which allowed models to dance the stairs presenting their designer's skill and hardwork. Dancing continued after the fashion show along with live music from St. Louis rap and hip-hop artists, Rob Cruse and Dashelle with Cruse Entertainment. 

Of course, this night wouldn't have had a happily ever after if it wasn't for the generosity of sponsors Hardees, Yelp, Patch, RFT, Moonrise Hotel, and Cruse Entertainment. The support and love guests showed The St. Louis Salvation Army in their effort to tackle homelessness in St. Louis was greatly appreciated. 

For more images, check out UCity Patch on Facebook. 

Plans are already underway for next year's Garbage Bag Gala.