What began as a student philanthropy event more than three decades ago has evolved into a significant source of funding for a local nonprofit serving survivors of violence.
On March 8, the Iota Lambda chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at TCU will host its 34th annual Real Chic Women Fashion Show and Silent Auction, benefiting the Women’s Center of Tarrant County. The event has raised more than $1 million for the Women’s Center of Tarrant County, an organization supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Fort Worth community.
The event has become one of the chapter’s greatest philanthropic efforts and one that connects generations of members.
“While the chapter turns over every four years, the fashion show is a thread that connects 34 years of Alpha Chi Omegas working together to support a local organization,” said Amanda Scott, a TCU alumna who chaired the event in 2006 and now serves as the chapter’s philanthropy adviser.
Scott said the show has grown significantly since its early years, expanding venues and adding live auctions as attendance increased. What started as a smaller fundraiser now regularly raises more than $100,000 annually.
For the current chapter, planning begins almost as soon as the previous show ends.
“We begin choosing fashion show chairs just weeks after the fashion show in March,” said Mackenzie Leggett, the chapter’s vice president of philanthropy and a sophomore nursing major.
The funds raised go directly to the Women’s Center of Tarrant County, supporting services such as legal advocacy, counseling and hospital response teams for survivors.
Maddie Adam, a senior biology major and the event’s head fashion show chair, said the cause has personal meaning after volunteering with the Women’s Center’s helpline program.
“They are there to comfort survivors in their darkest moments,” Adam said. “It is an absolute honor to support them.”
While the runway may draw attention, members say the mission remains the focus of the event.
Speakers from the Women’s Center and student volunteers share stories during the program to highlight how the funds directly support survivors and families in crisis.
Grace McNey, the chapter’s communications chair and sophomore marketing major, said the event also challenges misconceptions about sorority philanthropy.
“People sometimes assume philanthropy events are just social gatherings,” McNey said. “In reality, the goal is always to raise awareness and meaningful funds for organizations doing critical work.”
For Alpha Chi Omega members, the show is about more than a single afternoon. It represents decades of students using their platform to support a cause that continues to impact their community.