June 15, 2012- Rashad Corey, presented to the fashion friends of Philadelphia an event that was not only fashionable and exciting but he also did it for a great cause. We lost one of Philly’s most loved models, Vanessa Banks Watson, when she was murdered by her boyfriend in February, 2012.

The Stomp the Runway Fashion Show displayed the wonderful art of Philadelphia’s fashion community which included clothing from Mah-Jing Wong, Lisa 'Lily' Tornetta, Faithful by Michael Thomas, Shooney Frederic, Untamed by Kia Denise, and Jacqueline Myers.

What most captured my attention about the event was that it brought the community together not only to celebrate the life of a wonderful lady, but to bring awareness to the ever-growing number of domestic-violence related cases not just in this country but around the world!

It is thanks to organizations like Women Against Abuse that helps women to get out of these volatile situations by providing shelter, counseling and so much more. It is important that our government keeps these places funded so that women and children will be able to live happy and healthy creating a better environment for us as a people. Although I was not able to attend because of the Walk the Talk Event (I was there in spirit) that was the very next day, I was fortunate to get the latest and the greatest news from my fashion forward friends. Here is what they had to say about the event…

Kia Sterling Lead Hair Stylist for Stomp the Runway- "I'm sooo proud of Rashad!! STOMP THE RUNWAY was an AMAZING production. Your vision...you working in EXCELLENCE!! You've inspired me. I felt honored to be your lead hair artist."

Anthony Henderson, Celebrity Fashion Stylist- "Vanessa Banks Was a falling star gone to soon. Her beauty and talent can only enhance the heavenly runway above! Awesome job on the part of Rashad Corey for keeping her name alive and Stomping out Domestic Violence!"

Rodney Jon, Lead Makeup Artist for Stomp the Runway- "As I travel the worldwide it is my passion to add value to the daily lives of woman globally and this was one of the perfect opportunities to shine. I didn't realize so many women are dealing with Domestic Abuse on a regular basis until the tragedy happened with my good friend Vanessa Banks.

It was night full of fashion, inspiration, education, and money raised for the Banks family and a special organization who also helps woman who have been abused or woman who are affected by domestic abuse. It was an honor to donate my time it was a very nice experience and I would continue to be a part of such an amazing event."

Sanniyah Bilal, Fashion Stylist and Owner of Curio Styling- "Stomp The Runway was a great showcase of fashion, professionalism and fun. Philly came out in numbers to support the cause of non-violence in honor of Vaneesa. I was very inspired and enthused to be in such a creative environment. All of the featured designers displayed art through their collections in a way that everyone could connect to it. I was honored to be an industry professional in the building supporting the cause, networking and enjoying great fashions. I' am looking forward to the development of an annual event, hopefully!"

Kia Denise, Fashion Blogger and Stylist of from My Style to Urs- "Stomp the runway was more than a fashion show, it was a movement that educated everyone in the building that night about domestic abuse. It was spirit lifting, and one of the best events I've been to."

I know that there will be another Stomp the Runway and I look so forward to attending and please be sure to check out Women Against Abuse at www.womenagainstabuse.org and see how you can help this wonderful organization!