Hey lovelies! I recently had the opportunity to attend a fashion show event/women's retreat to raise awareness about a very sensitive and heartbreaking cause-human trafficking. Specifically, this event addressed human trafficking in Cambodia. Before the fashion show (which showcased items from the byTavi line-more on that later), lunch was provided, informative videos were shown, and a few speakers took their turns speaking to us. Afterwards, their was a trunk show and booths where other causes were presented, allowing for even more knowledge of how we can make a difference in so many different causes. It is heartbreaking to know that human trafficking occurs-around the world, and even in my state. It is my hope that by sharing with you this post, you too can help make an impact in giving these women a voice and changing the outcome of so many of their lives.
What is Center for Global Impact? (CGI)
Quite simply they want to "Empower the poor, protect the vulnerable, and share the gospel". When it comes to their mission,
"Center for Global Impact seeks to bring
the Good News of Jesus to those in the grip of poverty and bondage
through education, vocational training and business
development. Primarily working in Cambodia, many of those we serve are
victims of — or vulnerable to — human trafficking".
What is byTavi?
ByTavi is a project of CGI where vulnerable women in Cambodia are offered "vocational training, consistent employment, and a living wage". With this training, the women learn how to make "high quality, boutique style handbags and clothing". Beyond this, they also receive life skills and spiritual formation opportunities. All products made are marketed in the USA-all proceeds return to CGI projects.
Who is Tavi?
"When
Tavi came to CGI in 2008, she found herself in a desperate situation.
Her husband recently taken by AIDS, she was the sole caregiver of her
two young children and an elderly aunt. Being HIV positive, she was weak
and had no resources to sufficiently care for herself, let alone her
family. Aware of her culture’s common acceptance of trafficking children
to make ends meet, she desperately sought a better solution.
She
approached CGI and requested a sewing machine and seamstress training.
Three short years after she began sewing pillow covers, she had inspired
over thirty other women in her community to join a sewing team, whose
products were to be labeled byTavi".
It is so inspiring to me that one woman could seek out help to change her situation, in turn changing so many other lives. Today, byTavi helps women "realize and reach" their full potential. Women spend time in retreats, receive seamstress training, and have other responsibilities in the workshop. Through all this, they become freed from the bondage of absolute poverty.
Read more about CGI here.
Below are a few pictures I snapped throughout the lunch portion/fashion show portion of the event. Unfortanetly, my seat and view were a bit obstructed by the microphone and the podium, but I was still able to get a few pictures in. Most of them are blurry, because these ladies were on the move! It is hard to label all pictures with what item form byTavi each woman is wearing, so just know that in each picture, either a dress, top, bag, scarf, or skirt is being worn. If you visit the byTavi website, you will be able to see the items shown! These pictures are geared more toward those that attended the event-I had some requests to try to document some of the outfits! I did my best! I had an amazing time at the event and hope you are inspired and interested in the cause just as I was!
If you know me, you know I couldn't resist the desserts after lunch! I didn't get a picture of all the lunch foods, but I couldn't miss out on a picture of yummy cookies!
Checking out the outfits before the show!
Clockwise: Ava Ritter-who personally invited me and who was a HUGE part of helping to coordinate and put together the event. Beth, the coordinator as well-and hilarious woman, I must add! Kim Anthony, a former U.S. National Team Gymnast; she was the first African American female to be recruited and receive a scholarship to compete for UCLA's gymnastics team. She is also a keynote speaker and author. Her new book is called Unfavorable Odds and can be found
here. It tells more of her life story so far. Everyone who spoke during this event had an amazing story, and I feel so blessed that I got to hear these amazing ladies speak, and to learn more about human trafficking.
[The clothes]
In this set of pictures the items by byTavi are (clockwise): the tunic, the skirt, the top, the top, and the scarf (worn as a top!)
In this set of pictures the items by byTavi are (clockwise): Scarf and purse, skirt, top, dress, and dress.
The trunk show and other causes being presented; as you can see, byTavi has plenty of scarves, purses/bags/totes, and coin purses. IN LOVE!
[My OOTD]
After seeing all the items at the show, I couldn't resist making some purchases and giving to a great cause. The white top is
byTavi. I also bought a scarf at the show.
The bracelet is from
Express, earlier in the winter season.
My booties are Jessica Simpson, purchased from T.J. Maxx. I can't find these exact boots, but these are VERY similar.
As you can see, this byTavi top was part of their "Imprint Collection".
My necklace is very old, but I know it was purchased at Forever 21.
This is a very similar necklace, although it is not as bright!
I hope this event recap was interesting and fun for anyone reading it. If you want to learn more about CGI or byTavi, click here and here!
***This event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Beavercreek/Dayton, Ohio. Lunch was prepared by the chef at the hotel and holy cow-it was amazing!
Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey
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