Thrift the Runway Returns to Gloucester for Hunger Relief

Every donated jacket, dress or pair of shoes that crosses the stage began as an act of generosity that will help bring good food to local people and families”

Fashion and food security will share the spotlight next month when The Open Door and its Second Glance thrift store bring Thrift the Runway back to downtown Gloucester for its third year.

The annual fashion show fundraiser will take over The Cut on Sunday, Sept. 13, with more than 100 outfits assembled entirely from clothing and accessories donated to Second Glance.  The event coincides with September’s Hunger Action Month as well as New York Fashion Week, putting a decidedly Cape Ann spin on the runway while raising money for The Open Door’s hunger-relief programs.

“Every donated jacket, dress or pair of shoes that crosses the stage began as an act of generosity that will help bring good food to local people and families,” said The Open Door President and CEO Julie LaFontaine.

This year brings a new twist. The show will conclude with a collection of entirely upcycled, streetwear-inspired looks created by Massachusetts College of Art and Design students and alumni Asia Kepka, Sabra George, Prachi Mahurkar and Sylvie Djian.  Working with fashion lead Kayla Mayo, the designers created their pieces from clothing, fabric and jewelry sourced at Second Glance.

Last year’s event featured familiar locals who served as models, and this year will be no different.  

Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg, former mayors Greg Verga and Sefatia Romeo-Theken, Veterans Services Director Vionette Chipperini, Pathways for Children President and CEO Eric Mitchell, and a lineup of Open Door staff and volunteers are among those participating.

Behind the fun is a growing need.  The Open Door reports that requests for food assistance rose 36% last year, following 30% increases in both 2023 and 2024.  In 2025, the Gloucester-based nonprofit distributed 2.48 million pounds of food to 12,780 people across its North Shore service area.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 7 p.m.

New this year is an after-party from 8:30-10 p.m. at The Cut, where ticket holders can meet the models and designers and shop a curated selection of Second Glance finds.