NYC – Shortstack™, a charitable focused youth modeling agency, sets to expand globally and send their models to Haiti to actively participate in the rebuilding efforts.
8 years ago, at the young age of 15, inspired by a vision and a dream, Olivia Mignone created the charitable Shortstack™ Modeling Agency to prove that anyone could achieve their goals without limitations. The modeling industry may say they are too short, but Olivia and her team have spent 8 months of every year training and empowering girls to think otherwise, culminating in a professional and chic 5th Avenue Charity Fashion Show. This year’s show is extra special as Shortstack is honoring established artist and President of From Here to Haiti’s, Patricia Brintle. Brintle formed From Here To Haiti (FHTH) in the aftermath of the earthquake of January 12, 2010 to respond to the need for repairs of non-governmental places such as churches and schools. Brintle is to be honored on June 27th, 2013 at the 7th Annual Shortstack™ Charity Fashion Show. She is receiving the Barbara Harmon Unsung Hero Award, presented annually to an individual in honor of their contribution to the lives of others. Their selfless service often goes unrecognized, and the Unsung Hero Award is intended to bring light to the work that they do. This award was founded in the memory of Barbara Harmon, an incredible woman who never received nor wanted the credit for the countless hours of community service and for the difference she made in the lives that crossed her own. From working with babies born addicted to drugs, to supporting adolescent youth in her community, to assisting at the World Trade Center disaster, Barbara Harmon embodied the spirit of true heroism.
The 7th Annual Shortstack Charity Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, June 27th, 2013 at the Midtown Loft and Terrace on 5th Avenue in New York City, which overlooks the Empire State Building. Shortstack™ is a teen driven fashion and modeling program whose goal is to allow young girls who do not fit the “normal” model standards to be a part of charitable fashion events. “I am truly excited that Patricia is joining us at this year’s show,” states Olivia Mignone, founder of Shortstack. “In addition to trying to shift the modeling industry to be more accepting of all body types, we educate and empower our models to also be an active humanitarian, and work hands on with great organizations such as From Here to Haiti.” For years, girls have been rejected from the modeling industry because they are too short. Shortstack was created by teens under the guidance of the non-profit agency Windows of Opportunity, Inc. to give these “short” girls a chance at achieving their dreams as models and empower them to love themselves for who they are.
Brintle was deeply moved when hearing she would be the honoree at this elegant event. “To be honored for something you believe in and dedicate your heart towards is uplifting,” stated Brintle. “It takes courage to do the right thing but it takes fortitude to do it for the long run after the dust has settled and the course of every day life takes over.”
With an all-volunteer staff, FHTH provides temporary employment and fosters self-sufficiency for the people of Haiti through that repair work. “They are empowering the people of Haiti to make a difference through action and education, much like we do with our youth,” states Hal Eisenberg, Executive Director of Windows of Opportunity (WOO). “When I met Patricia at a FHTH event and learned of the work she was doing I was so impressed that I wanted WOO to collaborate somehow with her organization” said Eisenberg. When Eisenberg and Brintle sat down to discuss and share visions, the inevitable was created. The money Shortstack raises this year will be allocated towards having the models join FHTH on a trip to actively participate in the rebuilding efforts. “We are all excited about this,” exclaims Gabriella Neglia, one of Shortstack’s Program Directors. “We want to make a difference not only on the runway, but in the fashion industry, and around the world.”
Tickets to the 7th Annual Charity Fashion Show are on sale via Shortstack’s website www.wooshortstack.org, with proceeds going to fund this innovative collaboration between Windows of Opportunity, Inc. and From Here to Haiti. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. If you cannot attend the event you can purchase an advertisement or a booster for the program with a personal message to Patricia or the Shortstack models. Information on this and other sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website.
For inquiries on From Here to Haiti please contact Patricia Brintle at fromheretohaiti@gmail.com.
For inquiries on Shortstack or Windows of Opportunity, please contact Hal Eisenberg at Hal@eisenbergacdmy.wpengine.com and visit www.eisenbergacdmy.wpengine.com.
PRESS AND MEDIA MUST OBTAIN A PRESS PASS PRIOR TO THE SHORTSTACK FASHION SHOW. Please contact Hal Eisenberg @ 718-916-6037 or press@wooshortstack.org to register your name.
PRESS AND MEDIA ARE TO ARRIVE AT 6:00pm PROMPTLY to receive their press passes and proceed directly to the skip and repeat wall for Red Carpet photos and networking cocktail hour. Your coverage is what will put Shortstack’s important message out there … that
EVERYONE WEARS CLOTHES… AND EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL!
About From Here To Haiti
FHTH was formed in the aftermath of the earthquake of January 12, 2010 to respond to the need for repairs of non-governmental places of public assembly. With an all-volunteer staff, FHTH provides temporary employment and fosters self-sufficiency for the people of Haiti through that repair work. Some of FHTH accomplishments include the replacement of the roof of St. Jean Baptiste church in Anse d’Hainault, the replacement of the roof of Marie Reine Immaculee Church in Les Abricots, the construction of a four-stall sanitary block for St. Gerard School in Chardonnette, the construction of a five-stall sanitary block for St. Augustin School in Lory, and the completion of bell tower of Immaculate Conception church in Roseaux. FHTH has many projects pending.
About Patricia Brintle
Self-taught artist Patricia Brintle was born and raised in Haiti and immigrated to the United States in 1964. Although she has made the US her residence, her colorful style reflects her native land. She favors bright, vivid and vibrant colors and uses much symbolism in her work. Her medium is as varied as her subjects but she prefers acrylics because of its diversity. Brintle’s works are shown throughout the US and grace the covers of books and magazines. She exhibits throughout the US and is represented by galleries in the US and the UK. Some of Brintle’s artistic accomplishments include showings at the National Museum of Catholic Art and History in New York, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama, the Rosa Park Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, the Queens Museum of Art in New York, the Consulate General of Haiti in New York, and The United Nations. Several artworks by Brintle on the devastation, resistance and rescue efforts of the Holocaust hang at the Holocaust Center of Temple Judea in New York. Brintle is also the president of non-profit organization From Here to Haiti, Ltd. Brintle donates much of the proceeds from her art sales to the organization, which depends on individuals, grants, dinners, walk-a-thons, and art exhibits to fund its numerous projects.
About Windows of Opportunity
Windows of Opportunity’s intention is to provide platforms for global youth empowerment and leadership that leads to sustainable change. The mission of WOO is to provide innovative and impacting programs that cause a shift in the way we educate and empower youth; a shift from disempowerment to possibility; a shift from differences to acceptance; and a shift from indecision to opportunity.
About The Annual Shortstack Fashion Show
Shortstack’s 7th Annual Fashion Show is taking place on June 27th, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Midtown Loft & Terrace on 5th Avenue in New York City. Guest list includes host Joe Rock of WBAB radio, co-host Mark Mendoza from Twisted Sister, co-host Carolina Cadillo, co-host of the Luis Jimenez Radio Show, the crew of Rescue Ink, Model Claire Unabia, and many more surprises. It is no doubt that founder Olivia Mignone’s message is getting out there as she has rallied supporters and sponsors of her program and shows from the likes of Hot Topic, David’s Bridal, Banana Republic, Delia*s, Jasmine Sola, VH1, Verizon, Long Island’s Rock Station WBAB, popchips, Sonu Beverages, New Leaf Ice Tea, Millennium Toyota, Stone Mountain Handbags, and IDT Corporation, to name just a few. Shortstack has created many opportunities for models such as meeting America Next Top Model’s contestants Kim Stolz, Bianca Golden and Claire Unabia. This is sadly Olivia’s last year on the runway as she takes on a more strategic behind the scenes role in the expansion of the Shortstack brand to other markets. Past recipients of The Barbara Harmon Unsung Hero Award include former NY Jets Marty Lyons, Kyle Merker, founder of the Ali Forney Center, WBAB disc jockey, Joe Rock, and actor/star of The Twilight Saga Chaske Spencer. All proceeds from this event will be allocated to send the Shortstack Models to participate in the rebuilding efforts in Haiti. Advanced Tickets are $55 through June 1st. After June 1st tickets are increased to $60. Open to the public, a beautiful rooftop view of the Empire State Building, celebrities, a breathtaking fashion show, musical guests, and the idea that you are benefiting so many impactful youth programs makes it sound like the perfect Thursday night out!
For more info on this event or to schedule an interview please contact:
Hal Eisenberg, L.M.S.W. • +1 718-916-6037 • Hal@eisenbergacdmy.wpengine.com • eisenbergacdmy.wpengine.com