Dozens of models pranced down the runway at Chattahoochee Country Club on Thursday to raise awareness for Challenged Child and Friends.

Models ranged in age from kindergartners to grandmothers. They flaunted fashions provided by local businesses to benefit the nonprofit Gainesville school that specializes in early intervention for children with special needs.

The country club partnered with Gainesville merchants and Challenged Child to inform the community on how they can lend support to the school that serves hundreds of children each year in 13 Northeast Georgia counties.

“This is the first time we’ve done it, and it was a huge success,” said Lee Highsmith, director of development for Challenged Child and Friends.

More than 250 people attended the luncheon and fashion show.

Highsmith said the event was more of a “friend-raiser” intended to recruit more supporters than a fundraiser. She said the event educated people on how they can contribute to Challenged Child and Friends by supporting a child or providing funds for physical, speech or occupational therapies or nursing services.

Christopher Davidson, owner of Christopher’s boutique in downtown Gainesville, orchestrated the fashion show that featured styles from Bradford Pair, Carol’s Closet, Christopher’s, Elizabeth’s, Saul’s, Stork and Kids World and Thomas Scanlin/Studio Jewelers.