Fashions show tweens dignity
and modesty

	FASHION SENSE: Pre-teen girls model stylish, yet tasteful, outfits. The photo is used in the 'Tween Appeal' presentation offered by Runway to Reality, a non-profit organization in the Fox Valley that promotes dignity through fashion. In addition to programs for pre-teens, teens and adults, Runway to Reality offers a quarterly online newsletter. In November of 2007, it will host a Catholic women's conference in Kimberly. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Van Roy Photography)

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

Runway to Reality, a non-profit organization in the Fox Valley that emphasizes the dignity of women, has grown considerably since its inception in the summer of 2004.

The organization, founded by mothers and friends, Monica Cops, Molly Miller, Cheri Sandlin and Denice Patz, who has since left the organization to pursue other interests, began as "Teen Appeal," a program designed to combat negative fashion trends for teens. The women, who received training from Elegance in Style and the Murray Hill Institute, soon added "Head to Toe," a program of workshops to help women express their dignity through fashion and their overall look.

Today, Runway to Reality has a website featuring a quarterly newsletter, new associates, Pam Hamman, Debra Hartzheim and Terri Muskevitsch, and a new program, "Tween Appeal." In November of 2007, they will host a Catholic women's conference in Kimberly.

"In the past couple of years, through our presentations and talking with people, we've identified pockets of needs out there and we've tried to address them," said Sandlin, who manages Runway to Reality's business operations. "It's our goal to help educate girls and women of all ages. We are non-profit, so we are not in this to get rich. It really is our apostolate. We hope to fill a need."

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