Pop Up Fashion Boutique Helps Benefit Families Battling Cancer
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Fashion and philanthropy came together at Philadelphia University today for the school's annual pop up boutique to benefit families battling cancer.
Handmade scarves, crop tops and jewelry -- all created by students.
"We sold make up bags," said Isabella Siravo, a fashion merchandising senior at Philadelphia University. "We made 16 bags and we sold out in presales."
Siravo and her class partners created a company called "Goodie Bags"-- where they designed their product, manufactured them and promoted them on social media...as a group.
"People commented on them and people wanted to use them for different thing," said Siravo, "and we learned how to work as a team, to listen to each other's ideas. It was a great experience, but running a business is harder than you might think."
Combined, 200 students worked in 18 companies to create products from recycled materials priced under $25.
"All 18 companies had to attend a trade show, stand behind their displays and present their products before 14 industry professionals and then they sold them to a retail class," said Nick Freeman, adjunct professor at Philadelphia University. "This pop up store is a culmination of everything we worked on all semester."
All proceeds from the sales go to ChemoClothes, a Marlton, New Jersey-based non-profit that helps those battling cancer.
"The money will go to either pay their bills, or help with transportation or even provide food," said Meg Boyd, who is on the board of ChemoClothes. "I am very impressed with the University, all of these products, it's such a learning process and it helps the community."
Organizers were hoping to raise $4,000.
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