The title of a recent fundraiser at the Booker T. Martin Center in Gary was unique — but it clearly reflected the mission of the scholarship committee offering it.
The fashion show benefit, “Mutiny & Ensembles: The Game Changers,” sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Southwestern Christian College Committee, was an event geared toward students pursuing a Christian education.
“Our committee supports the Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas,” event chairman Michelle Woodson said. “Our committee is comprised of members from the East Glen Park Church of Christ. However, we are supported by the Churches of Christ in the Northwest Indiana region and the state of Indiana.”
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The Northwest Indiana Southwestern Christian College Committee is part of a nationwide community of Churches of Christ that supports the college. Its purpose is to help individuals seeking to pursue their faith as they earn degrees and pursue a life of learning, leadership and service. It places emphasis on empowering ethnic minorities who are seeking an education in a Christian environment, according to committee member Pat Murphy.
“We provide students with the monetary, esteem, emotional and informational support they may need to accomplish their educational goals to become successful in today’s world,” she said. “Southwestern Christian College is a historically black college, so needless to say, there is always work to be done there.”
The Northwest Indiana Southwestern Christian College Committee for 40 years and counting has had much success, according to the East Glen Park Church of Christ youth services co-director Annie Polk.
“This (committee) is offering a wonderful thing to our students. Not everyone can afford college,” she said, while waiting for the fashion show to begin. “They are offered something different — a Christian education, putting God first in their lives.”
One dozen models, representing fashions from Highland Furs and Miss Elle’s Especially For You Boutique in Highland, graced the red-carpeted runway for more than two hours. Traditional fur coats, after-five ensembles and other trendy outfits were presented.
Ruth Martin, an observer in the audience and one of the Northwest Indiana Southwestern Christian College Committee founding members, said the group’s longevity was due to the efforts of its members.
“This is magnificent, a very nice way to have a fundraiser for our scholarships,” she said. “I believe the reason our committee has lasted so long is because of the members’ dedication and perseverance.”
Currently, the committee consists of eight members and two members emeritus.
“Our committee goal is to issue one $5,000 scholarship per year,” Woodson said. “If we do not reach our goal with the fundraisers we sponsor for the school year, the committee chooses a project at Southwestern Christian College to sponsor.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.