 For women escaping abuse, it can be hard to get back on their feet when they have to wear nothing and they have nothing to wear for important meetings or job interview. For her first community event as Miss Bemidji, Katrina Marcotte is hoping to lend a helping hand. Mal Meyer explains how a fashion show in Bemidji is helping women in need get dressed to impress. It's time for these women to strut their stuff, showing off both professional outfits and outfits to celebrate landing a job. As part of her official duties, Miss Bemidji gets to host a fundraiser based on her platform. Red Dress Runway is styling women for success. It's all about the empowerment and confidence of women through the fashion. The looks on this runway were donated by community members to be given to those who will need it for a fresh start. Red Dress Runway is really about the community and empowering women, lifting them up and telling them that you can do anything and anything is possible. The money raised will be going to the Children's Miracle Network while all the outfits will be going to the Northwoods Coalition for Battered Women. For Miss Bemidji, this event brought together two of her passions, improving the community and fashion. I'm huge into fashion so it's more than just giving them money but giving like a part of me. Something that I feel like I can just show them another world and that is a great feeling. The Coalition just recently found out that they'd be receiving the clothing. I want to thank you Katrina for thinking of the women in the shelter and thank you for all the donated clothing that's really thoughtful. Jennifer Garbo says a lot of the women and children seeking their services come with just the clothing on their backs. The clothing will be a tremendous help for those looking to re-establish and regain their lives. It's really going to mean a lot to them and it'll alleviate a lot of their stress and it'll be one less thing they have to worry about. This also gave attendees a starting point to talk about a very important issue. It's really a fun way to come together around a rather serious issue within our community and it brings a lot of diverse groups together to rally for a really great cause. In Bemidji, I'm Mal Meyer, Lakeland News. Miss Bemidji says the event was able to raise $600 for the Children's Miracle Network and 45 pounds of clothing will go to the women's shelters. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.