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Used and Fabulous at Southwest Airlines

mdigirolamo
Explorer C

The First Ever Goodwill Fashion Show Takes Off At Southwest Airlines Phoenix Center

Fierce and fabulous!  These are just two of the words that have been used to describe the happenings at Customer Support and Service's very own Phoenix Center (PC).  The Activities Committee put together an event that not only showcased the Fun-LUVing Attitude of PC but also their Servant's Heart.

Goodwill Fashion Week ran from May 17-22, 2010.  During this week, Customer Representatives, Admins, and Staffing Leaders had the opportunity to bring in any clean, gently used clothing items to have them donated to a local Phoenix area Goodwill* Store.

Upon the culmination of Goodwill Fashion Week, PC invited their Team to walk the "runway"...Literally!  The Activities Committee recreated the center "runway" from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport...Well, a 21-foot recreation that is.  During shift breaks, PC Teammembers were invited to not only bring in their unwanted items for donation but  could also model their most outrageous and outdated ensembles.

Judges then rated participants on a variety of levels and awarding prizes and trophies to the best in show for the following categories:  "Fiercest" Walk, Best Business Attire, Eveningwear, Active Wear, and in honor of the LAS Spirit Party, the grooviest 1970s outfit.  As the participants made their way down the "runway," they were photographed and videotaped to commemorate their moment of fame and style.

Not only was this event no cost to Southwest, but it also emphasized the need for sustainability and being green. Beyond repurposing old attire, all of the winners were awarded "refurbished" trophies including an original bowling trophy awarded to Arizona State in 1967 for the University of New Mexico Bowling Invitational!  Even the collection bins were reused, old aircraft galley trash cans were cleaned out and made available in the Breakroom for the donated items.

It was great to see and feel the SPRIT in the air and around the sales floor as one could look around and see the program advertisements which were created on real shirts and dangled from the ceiling on hangers to spark interest for the event.  Hopefully this is an event that will spread its wings and take off across the Southwest system!

*Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.