ESTEEM Preaches Self-Love Through Fashion

photos c/o Bob Manzano and Thomas Garza


Event co-chairs Melissa Rountree and her daughter Morgan, with honorary chair Lynn McBee, recently hosted more than 250 attendees for the 7th annual ESTEEM Fashion Show benefiting The Elisa Project (TEP) at Tootsies. The mission of ESTEEM is to help increase awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to be healthy. With 10% of all purchases benefiting TEP, patrons shopped Tootsies’ fabulous fall fashions, as DJ Blake Ward provided the vibe. At the appointed time, patrons gathered upstairs as Co-chairs Melissa and Morgan took the stage and thanked everyone in attendance for their support of The Elisa Project and this year’s event. Dr. Stephanie Setliff, TEP’s board president, shared some details about the work The Elisa Project is doing in the community through advocacy, education and support, which touches the lives of more than 31,000 individuals suffering from eating disorders each year. Gloria Campos and Tootsies store director Nerissa von Helpenstill, then described the two upcoming fashion scenes, “Borrowed from the Boys” and “She’s a Lady,” which were modeled by an amazing group of TEP supporters chosen for their commitment to giving back to the community and to those with eating disorders. All children’s fashions were provided by KidBiz/The Biz. Co-founder and event producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers had the last word as she thanked the individuals who helped make the event possible, by presenting them with potted orchids. Proceeds support The Elisa Project (TEP) and the important programs dedicated to fighting eating disorder illnesses through awareness, education, support and advocacy.

Co-Chairs Morgan and Melissa Rountree
ESTEEM 2016 (Sept. 17, 2016)

Among the 2016 models were jewelry designer Amanda Sterett Albritton with daughters Anna and Olivia; FOX4-TV’s Emmy-award winning news anchor Jenny Anchando; author, community volunteer and co-founder of Sawyer Collection Kim Bannister and daughter Sawyer; WFAA-TV’s Alexa Conomos and daughter Annick; community volunteer Yvonne Crum with granddaughter Samantha; organic lifestyle and healthy living expert Holly Pellham Davis with daughter Landry; Jazmyn Dorsett, daughter of Dallas Cowboys legend Tony Dorsett and super mom Janet Dorsett; community volunteer and 26-year Brinker International employee Nancy Gopez; founder and creator of Model Behaviors, writer and activist Toni Munoz Hunt and daughter Darlington; host of nationally syndicated morning show, Eye Opener, blogger and fashion expert Hilary Kennedy; Carlotta Lennox, Kim Dawson model and entrepreneur, and daughter Alle; LeeAnne Locken, author, actor, model, producer, BRAVO-TV’s hit reality-series Real Housewives of Dallas cast member and community volunteer; wife, mother grandmother and co-owner of Lombardi Family Concepts Vivian Lombardi and granddaughter Sarah Taylor; sportscaster and TV host Gina Miller; Dawn Neufeld, reigning Mrs. Frisco and former cast member of VH1’s Football Wives; model and on-air host, with daughter Bryn; Jamie O’Banion, co-founder and president of luxury skincare line Beauty Bioscience and daughters Aubrey and Ava Grace; fashion stylist and spokesperson for Galleria Dallas Holly McCracken Quartaro and daughters Sophia, Sara and Emily; Amy Vanderoef, lifestyle expert and former WFAA-TV Good Morning Texas co-host, and community volunteer Kameron Westcott and daughter Hilton.

The Elisa Project (TEP) was founded in 1999, by Rick and Leslie McCall, in memory of their daughter Elisa who lost her life to an eating disorder. TEP is dedicated to fighting eating disorder illnesses through awareness, education, support and advocacy. Eating disorders affect up to 30 million children and adults in the U.S. and can be devastating to families and those who suffer. These disorders present complex mental health issues and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness – up to 20%. They don’t discriminate, but affect both males and females of all ages, races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, call The Elisa Project at 866-837-1999 to access the care and help you deserve.