25 models step out in support of mental health in the Sault (10 photos)

“I’m happy to see how this community gets together to help each other, to get together to raise funds for needs in the community. It’s amazing.”

That from Dr. Natalia Kargbo, a physician, fashion model and actress, speaking to SooToday at the second annual Project Grab Hold Fashion Gala held at The Machine Shop Friday evening.

The event was a fundraiser to support programs offered by the Sault chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

Kargbo hails from St. Petersburg, Russia, now practising medicine as a hospitalist, caring for inpatients at Sault Area Hospital.

Kargbo co-organized the gala with Jillian Petingalo, an SK Group e-commerce specialist and graphic designer.

“We met each other on a movie set as background actors. I found out Natalia was a doctor and we started talking, and after the movie, we stayed in touch on Facebook,” Petingalo said.

“I kept thinking about how interesting it was that she’s a doctor with experience in fashion modelling, so we got together and I said ‘I have an idea. Do you think we could bring a fashion event here with real runway fashion and do it for mental health?’”

“We felt the mental health area in the city needed more awareness and funding,” Petingalo said.

“Because I do modelling and acting as well, I know a lot of people in the fashion world, so I reached out to them and invited them here, we set it up, and it happened,” Kargbo said.

25 models, all locals, took part in the fashion show, showcasing the work of fashion designers from Toronto and New York.

The Project Grab Hold Fashion Gala also included a VIP dinner, the fashion show including a performance by Studio Dance Arts. 

Approximately $10,000 was raised for CMHA at last year’s inaugural gala.

About 100 people attended the dinner and fashion show Friday, with more expected for an after-party which included live music.

“It’s an exciting event. Last year we had a few people who went on to model in Toronto. They’re doing professional modelling right now. So it’s a good opportunity for people taking part in the event to be scouted and picked by modelling agencies,” Kargbo said. 

“It’s wonderful to see people who have never had modelling experience try it. Some of them suffer from anxiety and they work through it, and feel proud of themselves and feel good they have accomplished something,” Petingalo said.