“Feather and Furs” fashion show raising money for veteran mental health

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Local activists are putting together the first-annual "Feathers and Furs: A fashion of love & gratitude" benefiting the Healing Warriors Program dedicated to helping veterans struggling with both mental and physical pain.

 I've been in the position on the opposite end of being a doctor, being a patient, and going, and going, and going and not getting answers," volunteer designer Lauren Penn said, who is a veteran herself and a licensed chiropractor.

The show features eight volunteer designers, including Penn, who follow the theme of feathers and furs. The event also features an acclaimed poet and guest speakers from the Healing Warriors Program and other veterans involved in the event.

"I've dealt with a lot of mental health, and this is one way that I, you know, if I don't want to smile, I have to put on a smile because I'm in front of the camera," event founder Jennifer Williams said, who also struggles with Fibromyalgia. She said her condition was another one of her inspirations to help veterans going through mental and physical pain.

The event is this Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Premiere Event Center off of Academy Place. Participants will get a chance to meet the designers and speak with vendors after the show. All profits from ticket prices benefit the Healing Warriors Program. You can sign up here.