Columbus, Ohio (WCMH)) — The Empower Our Youth Foundation hosted the Celebrate Life and Diversity Anti-Bullying Fashion Show Gala on Sunday, August 21st.

Tonya Kelly, Founder and CEO of The Empower Our Youth Foundation, explained that the event advocates for promoting inclusion, acceptance and appreciation of others. She says this is all an effort to end bullying.

“It’s all about celebrating culture and diversity. Our city encompasses its look and today’s fashion show is going to celebrate our youth and the ethnic groups that live in our city,” Kelly said. Told.

Beyond the fashion show, the event featured silent auctions of artwork from around the world, including Ghana.

“Fighting bullying means accepting each other,” Kelly said. “We are inclusive and respectful. That’s all. If we can do that by speaking out against bullying, we’ve done our part.”

Proceeds from the event will go to EPIC Literacy and Stem programs focused on helping students who have suffered academic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly said.

Kelly also shared that the proceeds help keep Wi-Fi-enabled handicap buses running.