“Project Runway” star to Visit Young and Courageous Models

Lafayette, LA – Children of Dreams Come True will model back to school fashion on the runway Saturday, August 2nd at Acadiana Mall. The event will kick off at 1pm near Center Court. Season 2 Winner of Project Runway Allstars, Anthony Ryan, will pay a special visit to the show.

Dreams Come True was founded for the sole purpose of providing dreams to Louisiana children with life-threatening illnesses.

“As a two-time cancer survivor I am humbled to be a part of this year’s Dreams Come True Fashion Show by sharing my own personal experience with cancer to today's youth and their families who are also experiencing their own battles with this dangerous disease,” Ryan said.  “I am a firm believer of maintaining a positive mentality through such a confusing time, and I am excited to help bring a moment of pure joy to this youth in a show that highlights their bravery and beauty on the runway!".

The morning of the show, dream children will receive complimentary services from Be. Salon and Spa, bareMinerals and Sephora. At 1pm they will walk the runway donning apparel from Children's Place, Crazy 8, Dillard's and GapKids. GapKids is allowing employees to volunteer at the event. Gap Inc. will provide the store with a Field Team Grant Award: For every 25 hours a store team of three or more employees volunteer with a target aligned nonprofit, the store can allocate a $250 grant to their nonprofit partner. Store manager, Laura Blair, said the funds will be presented to Dreams Come True.

Additional support of the event is provided by Lafayette Coca-Cola and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Lafayette Coca-Cola will be on site promoting their “Share a Coke” campaign. They have a special surprise in store for the dream children. UL coaches and athletes will visit and take pictures with children and their families.

About Acadiana Mall:
Acadiana Mall is owned and managed by CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, (NYSE:CBL) and features more than 100 great shops including Chico's, Talbot's, Banana Republic, and many more. Anchored by Dillard's, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney, the mall is situated at the intersection of Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffrey Parkway, approximately five miles south of Interstate 10. Originally built in 1979, the mall was recently renovated in 2013. More information can be found at Acadiana-Mall.com.

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