Local kids participate in fundraiser

Twenty-four local girls will be among more than 90 models participating in the fifth annual American Girl Fashion Show taking place at the Capitol Center for the Arts on Nov. 7 and 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. The event is a fundraiser for the Junior Service League of Concord and has gained in popularity with each passing year.

"This is such a popular event because it provides girls and their friends the opportunity to see fantasy and reality meet, as their favorite American Girl doll comes to life through the live models," said Catherine Hunter, one of the event's co-chairs. American Girl dolls have become something of a cultural phenomenon with many young girls today. The dolls represent historical eras and figures from our nations past, as well as those depicting modern day life in the United States. "Just about every girl has her favorite character from the line of dolls or chapter books, whether it's Kaya, Felicity, Josefina, Kit or Molly," Hunter said.

The young models have been practicing their runway steps for a couple of weeks and are eagerly awaiting the actual performances. "We are very fortunate to have so many young ladies participate in this event," said Hunter. "They have all been working very hard."

This fashion show is one of a kind for New Hampshire. The JSL of Concord is the only New Hampshire organization selected to partner with the American Girl Company for a fundraising Fashion Show. The American Girl Company has a long-standing commitment to children's charities. The JSL, in turn, will continue its 70-year tradition of supporting social service agencies in the greater Concord community, by distributing the money raised to organizations helping women and children in crisis.

The following girls from Concord will be participating:

Maggie Hicks

Jessica Nehme

Hannah and Madison Barton

Hope Gyorgy

Emersen Case

Faith MacKenzie

Amanda Enderson

Jillian Provost

Natalie Daniels

Phoebe Hicks

Abby Rochette

Elizabeth Summerlin

Kelsey Chase

Mia Harmon

Riley Hollenberg

Lillian Rienstra

Brighid and Shayla Weeden

Gillian Alice Bennett

Zoe Alberici

Meaghan Nyhan

Sabrina Hart

Isabella Bourgery