On Friday Marbles Kids Museum will host the Couture for a Cause Fashion Show, an event that is trying to attract volunteers for various nonprofit organizations.

The show, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., will encourage attendees to perform volunteer work through charity organizations.

Former and current N.C. State students are on the list of designers participating in the show. “The designers whose outfits best capture the essence of their organization according to a judges’ panel receives a cash prize,” said Amber Smith, a graduate teaching assistant and president and co-founder of ME3, a charity that focuses on making a difference within the community by boosting volunteerism.

“We envision a world in which every individual realizes and exercises his or her potential to make a difference in the community,” Smith said. “Through outreach, education and service, we promote volunteerism and helping others. Our goal is to boost volunteer rates for the benefit of the overall community.”

Smith said the fashion show enables designers to represent a nonprofit organization in a creative way.

“The show will feature the work of local fashion designers who will coordinate with ME3 nonprofit partners to create ready-to-wear and couture outfits that embody the mission and spirit of the nonprofit they are paired with,” said Smith.

Dashuna Wiggins, a sophomore in agricultural education, said the fashion show is a great way to energize potential volunteers.

“People like fashion and they like to be in style,” said Wiggins. “It’s a good thing because it catches people’s eye to the charity.”

There are two different contests for designers, said Smith.

“[The categories are] ‘Ready to wear’ and ‘Art to wear.’ Designers show off one outfit in each category and have the chance to win a cash prize for either, or both,” said Smith. “Designs will be judged based on quality of construction, innovativeness, and most importantly, how well the design captures the spirit and mission of the partnering nonprofit.”

Virginia Huffman, a junior in social work, was happy to learn that so many designers are participating in the fashion show.

“It’s nice that the designers are giving their time and abilities to this cause by using their talents to raise money for a charity,” Huffman said.

Huffman said participation by current and former students only enhances the University’s reputation.

“It demonstrates how great our programs are. It’s a great cause, so kudos to us,” Huffman said.

Smith said Couture for a Cause educates individuals about nonprofit organizations through art and should move them to advocate for change.

“Couture for a Cause highlights participating nonprofit organizations, helping tell the stories of ME3’s nonprofit partners through fashion and art. Audience members will come away from Couture for a Cause knowing a lot more about the organizations involved, and hopefully, inspired to think about how they can make a difference for a cause they can personally feel passionate about.”

Smith said volunteering is a vital aspect of life and nonprofits are dependent on it to provide services to those in need.

“Volunteerism is a marker of the health of the overall community overall. It is an important facet of civic and community life, benefiting the thousands of nonprofits that provide necessary services in our community,” Smith said.

“Additionally, volunteering is good for the individual doing it: Research shows that volunteerism provides personal, physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits to participating individuals,” Smith said.