Gainesville business owners have come together to raise awareness about a local school that works with special needs children and also to feature local merchants.

The Chattahoochee Country Club and the Gainesville Merchants have organized a fashion show that benefits Challenged Child and Friends.

“Challenged Child and Friends is a nonprofit that has been serving children with special needs for over 25 years,” said Lee Highsmith, the school’s director of development.

“Last year, we served over 250 children from 13 counties in Northeast Georgia with educational, therapeutic and nursing services.

“With the holidays approaching, this will be an opportunity to highlight what local merchants have to offer and encourage our community to support their local businesses.”

School administrators provide structured learning opportunities for students up to 6 years old, while specializing in early intervention for students with special needs.

The show will be held at the country club from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday and will feature fashions from Bradford Pair, Carol’s Closet, Christopher’s, Elizabeth’s, Saul’s and Stork & Kids World. The $10 price of admission will also include lunch, Highsmith said.

“Our models range from preschoolers to grandmothers (and) is being organized by Christopher Davidson. Mark Green, minister of music at First Baptist Church, will provide piano music,” said Highsmith.

“This will be a time of food, fun, fashion and fellowship for the ladies of our community and will help promote a worthy organization (Challenged Child).”

To reserve a spot at the show, patrons should contact the school.