Fashion Merchandising students PAWS-itively thrilled to work Mutt Gala

Mercyhurst University Fashion Merchandising students will escort canine models down the pink carpet as they strut their stuff at the Erie Humane Society’s (EHS) Mutt Gala. The second annual fundraiser, the EHS’s take on the Met Gala, is Saturday, April 29, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Convention Center.

“We are so excited to be working this event,” said Kirsten Whitaker, Fashion Merchandising and Marketing major. “We’ll be gaining real industry and event-planning experience while helping a great cause in the Erie area.”

Besides escorting the dogs in their show attire down the runway, students in Erin Magorien’s Fashion Entrepreneurship course are charged with writing commentary, selecting music, chronicling via social media, and fundraising. They include MacKenzie Howard, Mackenzie Cahl, Ava Tuazon, Christian Walsh, Abigail Burns, Jordan Mortlock, Faith Harris, Gabby Hoke, Julia Fontes, Jorge Maragkos, Artemiy Gadasyuk, and Kirsten Whitaker.

This year’s event marks the second annual and it promises to be more entertaining than ever. “It is so nice to be partnered with Mercyhurst,” said Emily McCullor, EHS business and marketing manager. “The students, along with Erin and Amy (Amy Weaver, department chair), have been so much fun to work with. We are excited to incorporate their work into the event.”

Last year’s Mutt Gala welcomed 300 guests; this year, EHS is hoping for 400 attendees and are nearly sold out, McCullor said.

“My class was honored to be asked to work on such an amazing event for such a wonderful cause,” Magorien said. “It is always great when we can get the students out of the classroom to learn and to give back.”