SALEM — The EMBER Project will host its Second Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser on Saturday, May 16, at Quaker Hall. This highly anticipated event will bring together local boutiques, community leaders, and supporters for an afternoon celebrating fashion and a powerful mission.

Doors open at 2 p.m, with the show beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission.

The event is coordinated by Jennifer Frank, Founder of The EveryBODY Organization, and will feature a vibrant lineup of local boutiques and vendors, including Blessed Beyond Measure, Cabi Clothes by Ladonna, Cru Fashions, Diva Donations, Ghosted Reality Fashions, KidZone, and Purple Peacock Consignments.

The fashion show serves as a key fundraiser supporting The EMBER Project’s mission to empower teen and early mothers through education, mentorship, and financial stability. In 2025, the organization served families across Mahoning, Trumbull, Stark, and Columbiana counties, and in 2026 has expanded its reach to include Portage, Summit, and Cuyahoga counties.

In recognition of its growing impact, The EMBER Project was named a Gems of the Valley award recipient by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley in 2025. In 2026, Founder and Executive Director Susan Sutton was selected as a finalist for the ATHENA Award, honoring leadership and community influence.

This year also marks an important expansion of services. In addition to its established mentoring program and support services, The EMBER Project has introduced:

The Childcare FUEL Fund, providing direct childcare support to help mothers stay in school and enter the workforce

The Family Pathways Workshop Series, offering hands-on guidance in career readiness, financial literacy, and life skills

“The Childcare FUEL Fund is a way that The EMBER Project can remove, or at least assist with a major barrier for early mothers,” said Sutton.

“What’s been especially powerful to me is the number of women who say, ‘If something like The EMBER Project had existed when I was a young mom, my life would have been so different.’ That’s exactly why we do this work. We’re building what didn’t exist before, and that’s changing lives.”

Proceeds from the event will directly support programming and services for mothers and families throughout the region.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit www.theemberproject.org or contact susan@theemberproject.org.