Women of vision: Celebrating resilience and community
Allie Messer Photography photo
More than 180 guests gathered at Chestnut Ridge Wedding Venue in Canton for REACH of Haywood County’s third annual Women of Vision Fashion Show on Sept. 25.
What began three years ago as a creative fundraiser to uplift women and raise awareness about domestic violence has now become one of the community’s most anticipated events — a day that celebrates resilience, connection and hope.
The event honored 10 Women of Vision, each representing the strength and spirit of Haywood County. These women are leaders, mothers, business owners, volunteers and neighbors and embody the power of compassion and the courage it takes to create change. As they walked the runway in fashions provided by local boutiques, the audience was reminded that empowerment isn’t just a theme; it’s a movement happening right here in the mountains.
The venue itself reflected that message. Chestnut Ridge glowed with twinkling lights and soft music, the tables adorned with mountain blooms and elegant linens. Guests described the atmosphere as “magical,” a world away from the noise and busyness of everyday life. For many, it also symbolized a deeper kind of escape, an escape from the violence and fear that too many in our community still endure.
Allie Messer Photography photo
At its heart, the Women of Vision Fashion Show is about more than style, it’s about survival and solidarity. “This event is a reminder that beauty and strength can coexist,” said Sara Vogel, executive director of REACH of Haywood County. “For families who live with the threat of violence every day, REACH provides refuge, hope, and healing. Women of Vision celebrates that resilience while raising the critical funds that allow us to continue this work.”
And raise funds it did. This year’s event was REACH’s most successful yet, bringing in over $60,000 to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking.
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Allie Messer Photography photo
Even more inspiring, that total was matched by the Flora T. Webb Trust, stewarded through the United Methodist Church, doubling the event’s impact. The funds will support vital services including safe shelter, advocacy, counseling and prevention education in Haywood County.
The success of Women of Vision underscores the power of community generosity. In a county still rebuilding from the challenges of recent years, the outpouring of support demonstrates that Haywood’s heart remains strong. “We’re humbled by the love this community continues to show,” Vogel said. “Every donation, every ticket, every volunteer hour brings us closer to a Haywood County free from violence.”
As the afternoon sun faded behind the mountains, guests left with full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose. The chandeliers dimmed, but the glow of the day lingered: proof that when a community comes together for a cause, transformation isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
