BAMA AGAINST BULLYING HOSTS FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER

By WVUA 23 Reporter Kayla Smith

Bama Against Bullying, a nonprofit teaching kids strategies to prevent bullying, hosted a fashion show fundraiser on Nov. 14.

Organization Founder Barbie Perry said the nonprofit is successful because they have a unique way of teaching kids about bullying.

“We combat bullying by empowering the youth, by creating awareness and by providing education via arts and entertainment,” Perry said.

The event brought families together, and they took pictures, admired each other’s outfits and discussed bullying.

Former University of Alabama football quarterback and guest host Blake Sims said he believes Bama Against Bullying does important work with kids.

“We want everyone to love one another, and we want the community to stay together so we can always better ourselves for the upcoming youth,” Sims said.

Models of all ages walked the runway in clothes from local shops.

Ella Birdsong, one of the event’s models, said the fashion show was a fun way to spread awareness about bullying.

“I think it’s pretty cool because there are some children out there that are getting bullied a lot, and that’s not okay,” Birdsong said. “People need to stop bullying, and I think this is a good way to tell people to stop.”

Alabama is ranked as the eight-worst state in the U.S. for bullying, even though it has more anti-bullying legislation than most other states. Bama Against Bullying is working to change the lives of children impacted by bullying.

Proceeds from the event will allow Bama Against Bullying to create more anti-bullying programs for elementary school students.