Recycle the Runway
November 1st, 2023
About the Show (Buy Tickets Here)
Recycle the Runway is a “Project Runway” style fashion fundraiser where local designers compete for a cause. Up to 10 designers or teams are selected to showcase runway-ready ensembles crafted from bags of recycled clothing and accessories.
Before the designers are even chosen, volunteers fill bags full of random clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. After the designers are selected, each one gets to come pick out a bag with no idea what is inside. The designers then have 6 weeks to craft a “runway-ready” outfit out of whatever they find in the bag! They can add things like zippers, buttons, tulle, etc., but at least 65% of their final design must come from the bag. Their designs are judged on craftsmanship, quality, creativity, overall head-to-toe presentation, and stage presence.
During the show, you’ll see not only the final reveal of their design, but a glimpse into the design process itself. You’ll hear from each designer about what inspired their creation and see first-hand how it came to life. Check out some photos from previous years’ live events HERE.
The top 3 designers take home cash prizes – so you can cheer on your favorites all for a great cause!
Tickets Found Here: https://one.bidpal.net/rtr23/ticketing
100% of the night’s proceeds will go to providing free job-search assistance, group workshops, career coaching, and professional clothing for women in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois searching for full-time employment, transitioning into a new industry, or working to advance their careers. Dress for Success Quad Cities’ programming encourages women to make continued investments in their professional development on an ongoing basis.
2023 Runway Presenting Sponsors:
2023 Venue Sponsors:
2023 Fashionista Sponsors:
2023 Recycle the Runway Celebrity Judges:
Rita Rawson: Rita Rawson was appointed to the Scott County Board of Supervisors vacancy and sworn in on Friday, January 27, 2023. Rita is originally from Kansas City and moved to Iowa in 1986 to attend Grinnell College where she received a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in Sociology. Rita received a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Iowa and was a Graduate Opportunity Fellow for academic performance and practice experience. She began building her financial advising practice in 1998, held licenses in 6 states in addition to holding a Series 24, and received several recognition awards. She retired from the business in 2022, after 25 years, to pursue other interests.
Alysa Goethe was crowned Miss Iowa 2023 in June 2023 at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. Alysa earned scholarships totaling $11,950 including the following special awards:
The Jessica Pray Patel VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Lisa Dondlinger Award for EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE AND ACADEMICS
The Emily Tinsman SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE ARTS
Originally from Bettendorf, Iowa, Alysa attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2022 with a BA in Music Education. Alysa worked as the Head Vocal Music Teacher at Hiatt Middle School in Des Moines before winning the title of Miss Iowa 2023.
In her time as a titleholder with the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program, Alysa has already traveled more than 26,000 miles and is now ready to take on more as Miss Iowa.
As Miss Iowa, her Social Impact Initiative is Not Your Type: Advocating for Type 1 Diabetes. She has garnered more than 35 international and regional partnerships and implemented diabetes curriculum across 12 districts.
Tiana Manley: Tiana Manley is the owner of T’s Spa & Beauty, Established in 2017. T’s Spa & Beauty is the Quad Cities destination location for women of all ages to get pampered for a reasonable price and to promote natural beauty. She wanted to create a space where women can feel safe, get pampered and not feel like they’re being taken advantage of. Tianna is also a model and has had the honor of participating in many fashion shows like the first Quad Cities Fashion Week in 2019. She loves giving back to her community by donating her time to Dress for Success Quad Cities and Agrow’s House of Healing and Hope,
Mariah Martinez: Mariah Martinez was born in raised in the QC. Mariah is a person who wears multiple hats around the community. Mariah is the current Miss Clinton County 2023, through the Miss America Scholarship Organization. Mariah is a proud 2nd generation debt-free college student majoring in Elementary Education. She has earned over 8k in scholarships through her time in MAO to be used towards her degree.
Mariah also has volunteered with Love Girls Magazine a non-profit founded here locally for the past 9 years. You can also catch her volunteering with many other local non-profits through the QC. Mariah is a proud educator working full-time in The Rock Island Milan School District for the past 3 years. This year she received a grant to start her school’s first community garden to continue doing her part in being an eco-friendly Quad Citizen.
K.C. “Chef Keys” Ross: K.C Ross , more affectionately known as Chef Keys is a New York City transplant thriving to make a difference in the Quad Cities and beyond. K.C. Ross is a former law enforcement officer who dedicated her efforts in the community and food Her culinary background consist of working in restaurants, hospitality and in the healthcare network; she has catered independent events, collaborations and created a niche social media following. Ross has since pivoted from law enforcement to further her career by combining several typically independent paths. She is currently working in television content production while showcasing different cultures through food and travel.
2023 Silent Auction Donors:
Argrow’s House
BlckPearl Catering
Davenport Parks & Rec
Bobbi Cole
The Hippie Life
The Figge
Nutrition Works Holistic Health
Tiphanie’s
Linda Thornbloom
Film Scene
Expression’s Jewelers
The Coffee Hound
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Davenport Parks and Recreation
Float QC
Stone Cliff Winery
Celebration River Cruise
Me & Billy’s
Wolf Cole Photography
The Putnam Museum
Cheryl Kung
Pam Roeder
Chalk Couture
Down Homestead Lane – James Wolfbrandt
Cheryl Riley Kirk
Renee Conner
Furnish 123
Leisure Lanes
Tina Rina Salon & Spa
Colony Acres
Prep to Table
Rosarios QC – Mariela Treviño
Me & Billy’s
Wolf Cole Photography
The Putnam Museum
Cheryl Kung
Pam Roeder
Chalk Couture
Down Homestead Lane – James Wolfbrandt
Cheryl Riley Kirk
Renee Conner
Furnish 123
Leisure Lanes
Tina Rina Salon & Spa
Colony Acres
Prep to Table
Michelle Hyde
La Duena
The Darland Family
Cirstie Noble
Quad City Botanical Center
Hot works Yoga