Project Funway, an annual fashion design competition and runway show, showcases the creativity and talent of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and local designers while supporting Fresh Start Home, a non-profit housing program for women experiencing homelessness. The event merges innovation in design with meaningful community impact, empowering designers to create stunning pieces from cast-off materials while raising funds for critical social services.
The 2024 event demonstrated significant success with 49 unique designs captivating over 260 attendees, establishing Project Funway as a growing force in both the fashion and philanthropic communities. This year's 2025 event will take place on November 7 at The Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, with ticket information becoming available in late summer for fashion enthusiasts and philanthropists seeking to participate in this extraordinary event.
Charity Ace, assisting with fundraising efforts, emphasizes the event's dual purpose of creative expression and social impact. The organization's involvement underscores the professional approach to fundraising that ensures maximum benefit for Fresh Start Home's mission of providing housing stability for women in need.
Beyond ticket sales, Project Funway offers a special raffle package to further support Fresh Start Home, including a luxurious hotel stay, gift card, and VIP tickets to the show. Raffle tickets are priced at $10 each, providing additional opportunities for attendees to contribute to the cause while enhancing their event experience.
The event relies on corporate and community sponsorships, with opportunities including Exclusive Runway, Red Carpet, Auction, Wine Pull, Trendsetter, and Vogue Small Business sponsors. Project Funway values its collaboration with the UNL Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design, recognizing the academic institution's role in fostering emerging talent while supporting community welfare initiatives.
This intersection of fashion, education, and social services demonstrates how creative industries can drive positive change, providing both practical support for homelessness services and professional development opportunities for emerging designers. The event's growth reflects increasing recognition of fashion's potential as a vehicle for social impact beyond aesthetic considerations.
