Give to a deserving charity while supporting local businesses at a fashion event that will be held at the Art Ovation Hotel on Sunday, June 13. Organized by Christin Lilly, with help from Jessica Peterson and Terra Tominelli, the event will include a fashion show and tables manned by local sellers and artists, with proceeds going to support Mothers Helping Mothers.

Lilly, who owns Beach Babe Boutique on Siesta Key, has been concerned about the Covid-19 pandemic’s effect on local businesses. That concern soon broadened. “If local businesses are hurting, what about our local charities?” says Lilly. That thought inspired the June 13 event.

Mothers Helping Mothers donates basic necessities like clothing, cribs, car seats, strollers and formula to families in need. Lilly has three daughters, so helping mothers is a cause that hits close to home.

“Mothers Helping Mothers fell into my lap and into my heart,” says Lilly. “Finding out they were 100 percent volunteer-based astonished me.” She says she admires the commitment of the nonprofit's volunteers and the help they have been able to provide for moms, especially those struggling through the pandemic.

The fashion event will be “a fun community event that is going to have a collaboration between local businesses and artists,” says Lilly. Local businesses will participate in a fashion show, sending models down a runway to show off looks from their shops. The show will have plenty of intermissions, though, so visitors can admire the merchandise at tables showcasing items from local vendors. Participating businesses include Elysium Originals, 12 Gate Treasures and Lilac & Lace Vintage, and participating artists include Karen Chandler Art, Terra Amazonia and Heather Scarpinato.

Companies have also donated items to raffle off, with all proceeds going to Mothers Helping Mothers. Lilly teases that some products available include a poster from an artist featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one-of-a-kind candles and vintage items.

Tables for vendors will be spaced out to allow for social distancing. Seats at the runway show will be clustered together, but there is plenty of standing room for those who would prefer to keep a distance.

Lilly says she wants to use the event to “celebrate coming through such an unexpected, unprecedented year,” while still being able to “celebrate the good that is going on around us.” She jokes that it’s time to pull out a dress that hasn’t been worn in a year to come out and celebrate.

The event takes place 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, at the Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota.. Tickets are available online starting at $10; proceeds go to Mothers Helping Mothers. To learn more about the event, visit the event’s website.