Society: Jackets for Jobs celebrates 15 years

In celebrating the 15th anniversary of Jackets for Jobs, the organization's founder, Alison Vaughn, created an action-packed event, including participation from several well-known names. Approximately 250 people (standing room only) showed up at the Charles H. Wright Museum on Thursday morning for the two-hour gathering.

Things got stated with an invocation by Glenn Plummer, senior pastor of Redford's Ambassadors for Christ Church, followed by a few words about the organization from Vaughn. WDIV's Lauren Sanders was mistress of ceremonies and there was also a touching message from Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell.

Next up was a well-received fashion show from event sponsor T.J. Maxx, using real people as models. A delightful surprise was a song from American Idol contestant Malaya Watson.

Celebrated fashion designer Tracy Reese, who hails from Detroit but, now lives in New York, delivered a casual and easy keynote speech. Watson followed this with another selection, this time getting the crowd to their feet for an audience participation song.

Coffee, tea and juice was served along with an assortment of pastries and fresh fruit. Tickets to the celebration were $35, with all proceeds benefiting Jacket for Jobs Inc.

"We are so proud of the work we have done in the past 15 years, and we're very grateful for the support we've had from the community to make it all possible," said Vaughn. "We're happy to have served over 16,000 clients, helping them achieve their job seeking goals."

Jackets for Jobs Inc. provides career skills training, employment etiquette and professional clothing to job seekers. Clients are provided with top-notch interview training from experienced professionals and are given high-quality clothing that will impress any employer.

Chuck Bennett is the Fox 2 News Style Ambassador and creator of the Social D. See thesociald.com.