The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter (ARK) will host a fashion show at the Brownwood Country Club at 5875 County Club Road, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, November 6th. The guest speaker of the event will be Kay Leipzig, original developer of the current ARK Shelter building. During the program, both Kay and Bernell Deweese will be honored by ARK Executive Director Terri Densman for their roles in securing and renovating the building. Models featured at the Fashion Show will be wearing the latest fall and winter fashions from Doncaster presented by Ginger Locker. The Doncaster line of clothing is an inspired luxury and lifestyle brand that offers extraordinary apparel for extraordinary women.
The fashion show, presented by Ginger Locker is in conjunction with the Fall and Winter Trunk Show being held at Locker’s home that week from November 2 through November 7th. Ms. Locker has represented the Doncaster line of clothing in Brownwood for 25 years and has built a wide base of customers who have grown to love the unique fabrics and the high quality construction. As a fun element to the show, Ginger encouraged her past and current customers to wear their favorite Doncaster piece and a special door prize will be drawn among those wearing at least one item from the Doncaster line. There will be other door prizes given out and a table with auction items will also be available.
In 1985 Noah Project-Central Texas opened in Brownwood, and in 2000, Noah Project’s Brownwood shelter became The Ark. In 2003, Kay Leipzig went to the city of Brownwood to ask for the use of the old Medical Building, which was condemned at the time, to use for a shelter. She was involved with the first Habitat for Humanity house and with a small group of volunteers, founded as “House Menders.” House Menders was able to raise $30,000 to renovate the building. It took a full year to finish the renovations on the building, and it was officially finished in September of 2004.
In an open letter to the future administrators, staff, volunteers, residents and supporters, Kay wrote: “I have worked many long and hot summer hours to provide a safe shelter for you and your children. The rest is up to you.” – Kay Leipzig.
Bernell Deweese worked side by side with Kay helping with the accounting. What began as a small office open only a few days a week is now a full service, 24 hour a day, seven day a week shelter and center serving domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims in a safe, secure environment.
For more information about the Fashion show or the services provided by The ARK, please contact the ARK at 325-643-2699 or visit www.arkshelter.org.
