PROJECT FUNWAY AT-A-GLANCE
Fresh Start is a transitional shelter for women experiencing homelessness. We provide a safe home and goal-oriented programs for women ages 19+. We are located in Lincoln and are celebrating our 35th year. We are the only National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)-certified organization in Nebraska.
WHAT: Project Funway is a competitive fashion show that benefits Fresh Start. The fashion show features UNL TMFD designers and is open to community designers. The night includes an awards ceremony. Our exciting silent auction, wine pull, Daisy Thrift Shop pop-up boutique, and voting for your favorite designs all support the women of Fresh Start. Light appetizer buffet, cash bar available.
WHO: YOU! Attend, design, donate, sponsor, and ENJOY!!
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Stay for the awards ceremony.
WHERE: Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE.
WHY is this the final year for Project Funway? Our partner program at UNL was shuttered by the NU Board of Regents. Read below* for the full explanation. This is Fresh Start's annual fundraiser and our funding needs are greater than ever.
HOW: SPONSOR our event
DONATE silent auction items
DESIGN an outfit - join the fun on our runway
BUY TICKETS (link coming soon)
Contact Angie Taylor, Development Coordinator
angiet@freshstarthome.org
(402) 475-7777 main | (402) 205-0697 cell
To submit your sponsorship and logo online: https://freshstarthome.org/events/sponsorships.html
LOOK FOR A FRESH, NEW EVENT IN 2027!
*Why is this the final year for Project Funway? After 16 years, Project Funway will be ending after this year's show.
The end of Funway was not an easy choice to make. We've long worked with the UNL Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion School (TMFD) to put on the annual runway-fundraising event to help raise funds for our transitional homeless shelter. However, on Dec. 5, 2025, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted to eliminate the TMFD programs. We then learned earlier this year that the college's teach-out plan would only allow us to hold Funway for one more year.
Fresh Start is grateful for TMFD and the community's long-time support. Thanks to you, we have raised the critical funds needed every year to help support women experiencing homelessness in Lincoln.
'The Final Walk' is your last chance to attend and support one of Lincoln's biggest fashion events of the year!
Special thanks to our exclusive 2026 Exclusive Runway Sponsor:
Thank you to our 2026 Trendsetter Sponsors:
Thank you to our 2026 Vogue Small Business Sponsors:
