The Rancharrah Mansion is abuzz with hairdressers, makeup artists and beautiful young ladies getting all dolled up. They are preparing for a night of glitz and glamour later this month at an inaugural fashion show called A Crystal Kiss Winter Charity Runway. At the helm is a young man, who seems remarkably in control of the dozens of people working behind the scenes to make the event a success. Liam Wardell dreamed up an ambitious plan to create this fashion-themed fundraiser and now he is watching it come to life. "It feels amazing, it really does. All the models have been so great volunteering their time. I'm so thankful." Along with finding the models, Liam also rallied sponsors and business partners to support his vision. As if his passion, work ethic and community support isn't impressive enough, we should mention – Liam is just 16 years old!
"Liam is amazing. He's a 16-year-old TMCC High School student who came to me and told me what he's doing and how he wanted to give back to the local Reno community,” shared photographer Brooke Morgan Westlake-Kelley. The owner of BMW Photography says their team is using fashion to give back to not one, but two organizations: Project 150 and Hope for Paws. "I love animals a lot and when they're neglected or abused or left on the street, it breaks my heart, so that's one that's near and dear to me,” says Liam. Start-up charity, Project 150 will also benefit; it is committed to helping homeless teens. Liam hopes to raise big money for both. "I'm confident and hoping at the same time that we'll hot that $20,000 mark."
Everyone involved is confident that with Liam at wheel, albeit barely legal to drive, A Crystal Kiss will be a sparkling success. "Generally as an adult, we don't think 16 year olds are doing big and amazing things and what he's doing is big and amazing. And I've told him that over and over again,” says Brooke. "I see big things in his future."
When Liam graduates from TMCC High School, he will have his Associates with a business emphasis. He hopes to attend the University of Cambridge in England and become an offshore investment banker. As for now, however, his focus is the runway event.
A Crystal Kiss Winter Charity Runway is scheduled for January 17th at Rancharrah from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the runway show and silent auction range from $20-$40. You can purchase tickets at one of the following businesses:
Tiffany's Bridal Boutique - 35 Foothill Rd #2, Reno, NV, 89511
Lodo Loft - Plumgate Center, 550 W Plumb Ln, Reno, NV 89509
Labels Consignment Boutique - 601 W First St, Reno, NV 89503
Paper Moon - 75 Foothill Rd #1, Reno, NV, 89511 - Inside Serendipity
