Three universities combined to present the idea of unity and nonviolence by raising money for organizations that help victims of violence on Saturday.

Eastern’s Next Top Model, University of Illinois- Champaign/ Urbana Moda Delissima, and designers from Illinois State University united to sponsor the fashion show “Art Hits the Runway.”

The show included different lines by Cynthia Moore and Daria Peterson, both family and consumer science major at Illinois State University, and Esraa Odeh, a sociology major at Eastern.

Celebrity designers Coco and Breezy Dotson hosted the show and announced the different fashion lines.

Different lines such as Black Ice, Milan Elite Fashions, Vintage Clothing and classy clothes, were presented to raise money for the HOPE of East Central Illinois in Charleston and Cease Fire in Chicago.

Toni Porter, founder and president of E.N.T. models, said the fashion show raised more than $1,000 to go to the organizations.

“It is important to raise money and don’t forget to give back to the community because that is how you uplift others,” Porter said.

Breezy said the E.N.T. models came up with a good theme for the show.

“The whole message they had behind the show was pretty epic,” Breezy said. “We loved it and had a good time.”

The last scene of the show featured models wearing painted messages of love, peace and unity.

“I believe everyone understood and got the concept of the message,” Porter said. “Especially with the paint, that was the whole part of the show ‘Art Hits the Runway,’ we were able to bring the art and bring that positive message through the paint.”

Coco and Breezy said they liked the message in the last scene.

“It was a very unique way to express how they felt and get out a positive message,” Breezy said. “I thought it was amazing.”

Patricia Lawson, a resident of Hoffman Estates, said she found the last scene moving.

“It was positive and I wish it had been first because it was the main message of the show,” Lawson said.

Lawson said the last scene showed unity between different races, cultures and even schools.

“It shows it doesn’t matter what culture you are, we are all one,” Lawson said.

Moore said she enjoyed having her fashions on a different runway.

“It was a rush and it made me really proud,” Moore said. “The models did a really good job.”

Coco said she liked the fashions that were presented in the show.

Coco said, “I thought the designs were really creative, I love seeing people our age really expand their creativity and not be afraid to get their designs out.”

Breezy agreed.

Porter said she thought the unification of the different modeling groups worked really well.

“Everybody all worked together, they practiced, and everything flowed nicely,” Porter said.

Moore said having a different audience was great.

“It felt better, because at ISU everybody kind of knows me already, so going to a different college make the it more impactful,” Moore said.

Breezy said she liked the unity between the schools.

“To know that there are different schools here, with different models, all coming together to unite as one and spread a positive message, I thought that was epic,” Breezy said. “I know a lot of colleges have rivalries going on, I thought that was beautiful.”

Breezy said they really enjoyed the show.

“We are glad we got to be a part of this, there was a good vibe, a lot of positive energy, and I like the journey,” Breezy said.

Porter said she hopes everyone enjoyed the show and will help others.

“A message to everyone on campus, just make sure we always uplift others and not tear everyone down,” Porter said.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.