By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
Widows Empowered Strengthened and I, Inc. called Toledo’s Fire and Safety to the rescue for a fashion emergency. There was no wardrobe malfunction, but a generous effort to fundraise for support of the efforts of Widows Empowered Strengthened and I.
Members of area Police, Fire, and Sheriff’s departments came together to strut down the runway in summer fashions from Dillards. The crowd enjoyed styled selections from Dillards’ Manager Brianna Husted on the servicemen and women who brought them out of uniform and into community-starlit behavior.
The audience shared laughs, fellowship, and food catered by the Premier provided by the host. Widows Empowered Strengthened and I, Inc. held this annual event in honor of the director’s late husband, Wesley J. Watson. Watson was a member of the Toledo Police Department. His wife Marian Idell Watson founded the organization and teamed up with Lieutenant Gina Shubeta for this initiative to support women who have lost a loved one and their support.
Widows Empowered aims to aid women in their grief to grant time to navigate difficult life transitions. The safety department was eager to support Ms. Watson’s endeavor and now partners for Uniforms on the Runway annually. More events and opportunities to be involved with the organization can be found at http://widowsempowered.org.