Back to School Fashion Show

The 12th annual “Back to School Fashion Show,” put on by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) will be on August 1.

Summertime is in full swing, and the last thing on the minds of children is the thought of going back to school. Yet time slips through our fingers so fast that before we know it, the yellow school buses will once again be carting the kids back to the schoolhouse.

The 12th annual “Back to School Fashion Show,” put on by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) on August 1, wants to prepare parents and their kids for the school season by introducing them to the latest trends in school attire. Parents will be excited to know that this year’s fashion designers are promoting modesty. According to the Miami Sun fashion editor, “Back-to-school fashions seem to be getting a bit more conservative this year as waistlines rise and tops cover stomachs." This is something OBHC has been promoting for years.

Jyl Griffin, OBHC board member, has first-hand knowledge of the importance OBHC can play in one’s life. When Jyl was just a baby, her parents adopted her through the Baptist Children’s Home. Her parents raised her in a loving family atmosphere, where she was taught about God. Today Jyl, her husband Curtis, and their four children are living happily in the Tulsa area and attending church at Bethel Baptist in Owasso. “I love having the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped place me in a loving home,” she said.

According to Jyl, the fashion show is the celebration part of the fundraiser that is going on now. The paper doll program continues to be a successful way to get churches involved on a more personal level. Jyl explained the process: “Enlarged paper boy and girl figures are available along with clothing that can be cut out and placed on, as groups raise enough funds. It takes $200 to completely outfit a child.”

There are also fully-clothed posters with a child standing next to a thermometer that can be colored in to show progress. All proceeds will benefit the children of the Owasso Baptist Children’s Home. Funds will be used for school and church clothes; any additional funds raised will be used for other basic needs of the children.

The Owasso Baptist Children’s Home offers family-style living in a cottage for eight children, with a married couple serving as house parents. Children participate with the house parents in making their home a safe, comfortable place to live.

“The children’s time and activities are organized to help them learn responsibility in a structured living situation,” said Donna Brooks, regional development coordinator. “They are encouraged to participate in school activities such as choir, band, drama, fine arts, and school sports.” The campus houses a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, vocational building and pond.

Mark your calendars for Saturday morning, August 1, 2009, and come to the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom, where hundreds of parents and teens will gather to see OBHC children model their new clothes.

“Shopping for the style show was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the runway I felt special because they were talking about me and everyone was watching me,” said OBHC resident Coyett.

This year‘s theme is “Kids Under Construction.” Please come and learn how OBHC is helping children become capable, caring Christian adults by sharing Christ’s love and providing hope and homes for children. Tickets are available for $16 each, and a table for 10 may be purchased for $160. Advance tickets are required. 

For more information, contact

Owasso Baptist Children’s Home

(918) 272-2233