Write a commentLooking for something to do with your girlfriends to help fight the winter blues? Want to have some fun while helping women fighting to rebuild their lives? If so, get your tickets now for one of two exciting nights of entertainment, fun, fashion and empowerment in February – A Girls Night Out (GNO) Fashion Show.
A Girls Night Out will take place from 6-10 p.m., Feb. 20, at Tavern on the Lock, 24 S. First St., in Fulton, and Feb. 27, at the Moose Lodge, 134 W. Oneida St., in Oswego.
Founded by Oswego resident, Jessica Naioti, GNO was created with the vision to inspire and empower Central New York women who are survivors of abuse and addiction and working hard to build bridges out of poverty. Proceeds for this event will benefit Exodus 3 Ministries (E3M), a faith-based organization that provides outreach services to women and children in CNY along with operating a seven-bed residential women's home in Syracuse.
This is the second year for the event and along with the fashion show it will include vendors, food, drinks and music by DJ Moodz of Syracuse and powerful guest speakers addressing women empowerment and inspirational success stories.
"This event was inevitable as I am a survivor of abuse and addiction," Naioti said. "One of the main reasons women stay with abusive men is because they can't afford to leave. This event is jam packed with women-owned businesses and inspirational stories. I am very hopeful for all women and excited to share the peace, love and vision for success this event offers."
Naioti's first GNO event was a black tie gratitude gala dinner dance in Fulton last year in support of local businesses. This year's event, she explained, is semi-formal and was inspired by Victoria Usherwood Gailinas, co-founder of I Heart Oswego.
"Victoria taught me a lot about improving our community through events," she explained. "When I was 18 I almost died in a car crash. I broke my neck and went through many surgeries. As soon as I could walk again, I organized my first sober event, Celebrate Life, during finals week at my college. Since then, I've done a lot of events through my church for wellness and betterment and in the public for unity and community improvement."
Naioti said she is excited to announce that the fashion show, which will be take place from 9-10 p.m., is being organized by model Eliza Jeffers from Albany. Clothing for the event is furnished by the NY Rescue Mission. Also available at the event will be massages, manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and a photo booth. Some of the vendors include Paparazzi Jewelry, Lilla Rose jewelry, Le-vel and Posh with many more to come.
"It is our hope that this exciting event will raise money in support of E3m's programs, will promote local businesses, empower women, develop successful community ties and will be a great time for all," Naioti said.
"It means so much to me to know that there are people like Jessie and those supporting this event who really care about and believe in the vision of E3M," said Debra Person, founder of E3M. "It is people like them who remind me that God is faithful."
"My mom taught me about God and consciousness," Naioti added. "What she has taught me pushes me to work hard in my community and pray harder to make sure I'm doing the right thing."
Tickets start at $25 and are available at I Heart Oswego, 29 W. Seneca St., Oswego; Tavern on the Lock, 24 S. First St., Fulton; and at www.eventbrite.com.
Supporting sponsors of this event are I Heart Oswego, DJ Moodz, NY Rescue Mission and CNY Jewelry.
For more information and updates, follow the event on Facebook or visit iheartoswego.com. To find out more about Exodus 3 Ministries, go to www.exodus3ministries.org.
