Foster Youth Education Fund organizers hope to raise $50,000 to benefit foster youth through the fund’s annual fashion show on Sunday.

Approximately 50 foster youth who are between the ages of 16 to 21 will participate in the 9th annual 2010 Tea and Fashion Show: Express Yourself held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the University Union Ballroom.

Joni Pitcl, president and founder of the Foster Youth Education Fund, said money raised supports foster youth in Sacramento County, Yolo County, El Dorado and Placer County in their endeavors for higher education. Donations also help Sacramento State’s Guardian Scholar program.

An additional 10 to 12 foster youth will be assisting with the behind-the-scenes production.

Jamaal Morgain, freshmen criminal justice major, said foster youth are going to leave with a sense of accomplishment that they performed in front of hundreds of people.

“We (volunteers) choose to sign up so we give our best,” Morgain said.

The event is organized by volunteers donating their time and supplies. Pitcl said professional makeup artists and hair stylists volunteer their time for the fashion show and do the models’ hair and makeup.

“Foster youth don’t always have the opportunity to strut their stuff and have their pictures taken,” Pitcl said. “We want the public to see the beauty and potential in young adults.”

Since the organization began hosting the annual fashion show in 2002, over $250,000 have been raised. Only 10 percent of the proceeds go toward putting the event together, Pitcl said.

Pitcl expects approximately 400 audience members.

Mark Hamlett, a senior business major, will be participating for his second time as a volunteer. He said this year’s event might have an even larger crowd because of the word-of-mouth publicity at Sacramento State.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event and are $15 for students and $25 for adults.

For more information on the Foster Youth Education Fund visit www.fyef.org.

Michelle Curtis can be reached at [email protected]