East cheerleaders to take the catwalk for Becca's Closet
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

The varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at Williamsville East High School will host a fashion show for Becca's Closet.

The foundation was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman, a 16-year-old Florida student who launched a dress bank for high school students who could not otherwise afford to attend the prom.

In 2003, the Nova High School cheerleader died in an automobile accident, but her family and friends continued her efforts to help less fortunate teens attend the dance.

There are now more than 70 chapters across the United States, including one in the Amherst area. The girls at Williamsville East are raising funds to support it.

The show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 1 at Park Country Club, 4949 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville. Members of the varsity cheerleading team will model gowns from TT New York, a high-end women's clothing store located in the Boulevard Mall.

The cost to attend the event is $15, as well as the donation of a slightly used gown.

The evening will consist of a fashion show featuring the latest in prom fashions and accessories. Vendors will be available selling purses, jewelry and home accessories, of which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Becca's Closet. There will be light food along with a cash bar.

The dresses donated at the event and by members of the Williamsville East student body will be dry-cleaned and given to less fortunate students at three area high schools, which are yet to be determined.

Students can also drop off slightly used gowns at the school from Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 2.

Junior Dana Moshides said she has been helping with the Western New York chapter of Becca's Closet for the past two years.

She said the cheerleers wanted to do the fundraiser because "Everyone likes the message of helping underprivileged girls."

Megan Paulsen, a sophomore cheerleader, said the money collected from the fashion show will be used for dry-cleaning and shipping some of the dresses to the original chapter in Florida.