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By Brandi Grant-Rigsby

Style and community spirit were on full display at the Beatitudes spring fashion show on Monday evening, March 23. Students from Ohio Northern’s Student Senate and Greek Life partnered with Beatitudes community center and thrift store for an evening of fashion and fun.

This was the second time the organizations have come together to host a thrift-based fashion show and the first time it will benefit outreach work at the Beatitudes nonprofit community center,  210 N. Main St.

The ticketed event also included a dinner catered by Sodexo and the musical stylings of the ONU Jazz Band, Noteworthy Community Choir and soloist Kiya Tabler. Guests also help raise funds by purchasing tickets for a large basket raffle.

For the main attraction, ONU students and a few special guests from the community hit the runway styled in outfits chosen from the racks at Beatitudes. Models showed off styles ranging from sophisticated, office-ready outfits to casual, weekend wear and even the glitz and glamour of evening wear and black-tie ensembles.

Most of the outfits ranged in price from $5 for separates to $25 for formal evening gowns. 

Beatitudes, originally named ReStore when it began in 2006, has been a staple of care and compassion for the Ada community for 20 years. Now, with two locations, Beatitudes and Bee Home, the nonprofit helps meet the needs of Hardin County residents through free monthly meals and a food pantry, second-hand clothing, home goods and furnishings; and as an emergency site for the Red Cross.

Over the years, many ONU students have become involved in the Ada community by volunteering at Beatitudes. Whether it’s folding clothes, dusting shelves, serving meals or even walking the runway, ONU students have made a significant impact through their service. 

Senior Evelynn Schneider, the Secretary of Service and Philanthropy for the ONU Student Senate, was instrumental in planning  this year’s event and its transformation into a fundraiser.  Evelynn made the arrangements for the event to take place in the ONU McIntosh Ballroom and organized student volunteers. The show’s guest capacity more than doubled.

Deb Curless, executive director of Beatitudes and Bee Home, spoke with joy and pride about the ways the center cares for local residents by not only meeting needs, but also by building relationships and connections. Both stores make necessities more accessible for those living on fixed or limited incomes. This includes clothing, especially office and work apparel, and second-hand home goods and furnishings.

Deb recognized the individuals and sponsoring groups who helped to make this event happen: Stephanie Van Atta, assistant executive director, Rhonda Wilcox, who served as the master of ceremonies, and Susan Hord, who worked as the stage director. Event sponsors, who helped defray meal costs, are listed below.

Deb also shared her gratitude for those who give of time, resources and energy to help Beatitudes be a beacon of hope in the community. All of the profits from this year’s Spring Fashion Show will directly benefit the services offered by Beatitudes. 

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the event did more than elevate thrift store fashion. It was a celebration of community, generosity and the power of people coming together for a greater purpose. From the energy on the runway to the shared laughter around the dinner tables, the Beatitudes Spring Style Show reflected the heart of its mission—meeting needs while building meaningful connections between temporary student residents, community members and local business leaders.

Sponsors for the 2026 Spring Style Show

Ada Automotive

Ada Rotary

Auto Zone of Kenton

Caps Builders

Van and Deb Curlis 

Hays Insurance

Hempy Water

Art and Becky Hershey

Mike and Ann Hood

Terry and Susan Hood

Dan and Kay Houx

Karen Johnston

Liberty Oaks

Mark Schwemer

Middlefield/Farmers Bank

Becky Neville

Play it Blue (Dean Alstaetter)

Amanda Reiss

Quest Federal Credit Union

Saltzman Rental

Studio 419

Tom and Brenda Wilcox

US Bank