Nahant struts its stuff on the catwalk

NAHANT – Fashion was on everybody?s minds last night at the Nahant Country Club.However, being fashionable for the summer was all in the name of a good cause. The event was sponsored by Catholic Charities Fashion Forward for Education to assist young women in earning their General Educational Development certificate (or GED).?All the money raised is going toward educational programs to help girls get their GED or learn office skills,” said Catholic Charities North Development Coordinator Sarah Bartley.The night featured award-winning Boston designer Denise Hajjar and her creations were bright and colorful. Most of the fashions were greeted with “oohs and ahhs” from the audience as the models walked down the runway to Lady Gaga?s hit song “Bad Romance.”?I have known Denise for a long time and I am a huge fan of her work,” said Elisha Daniels, the mistress of ceremonies for the event. “I have known of her talent and been wearing her talent for a long time.”The Boston Globe has selected Daniels as one of the “Most Fashionable People in Boston” and she currently owns her own fashion boutique.A veteran of many fashion events, Daniels was not nervous. “I am very excited to be doing this,” she said. “I have done a lot of stuff like this before but I only do things that are connected to my heart.”While many were there to score some new digs for their wardrobe, everyone also wanted to help young women earn their degree.?I believe in the work they are doing,” said Daniels. “Support from people is so crucial. Every single dollar goes to helping a young woman earn her (GED).”Most of the money raised will go to actually paying for the exam so young women can earn their certificate. “I would have a lot of students that would be ready to take the exam but never did because they couldn?t pay for it,” said Education Center Program Director Fran Troutman.The exam itself costs $65. “To some of these girls $65 might as well be $1,000,” said Troutman.The Education Center prepares girls to take their GED exam and also teaches office skills. “If they can get any skills under their belt it really makes a difference,” said Troutman.While there is some funding at the center for girls to pay for their exam, most of the money comes from events like Thursday?s. “There have been a lot budget cuts in state funding so we are kind of struggling,” said Troutman. “Events like this help us do what we do.”?It is changing the lives of so many young women,” said Daniels. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful.”Troutman made a point to thank everyone who came and donated. “There is nothing more powerful than a group of women supporting other women in pursing education,” said Troutman. “Thank God for that power. Give yourselves a pat on the back because you are doing a great thing.”Thus far, 35 woman have taken their GED exam thanks to Catholic Charities.?This is transformational,” said Troutman. “It sounds dramatic but a lot of the time these girls are stuck. Then they getting their GED and maybe go to college and become economically self-sufficient. It is a transformation.”