JAMESTOWN — The Robert H. Jackson Center will host its Fashion Fantasia in Paradise benefit on Friday, Aug. 20, and Saturday, Aug. 21.

The event supports the free educational programs the Jackson Center provides and the stipends it awards to college interns and teacher fellows every year. Guests have the option of attending either day by purchasing an in-person ticket for $50 a person or a virtual ticket for $40 a person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.roberthjackson.org/events, by check or by calling 483-6646. All ticketholders will have access to unique silent auction items and experiences; including, the chance to bid on a priceless, keepsake interview of someone special in one’s life with Jackson Center co-founder Gregory L. Peterson. Peterson has brought his engaging style to interview countless numbers of dignitaries, heroes of World War II and seminal figures in U.S. and international history.

Marion Beckerink, Jackson Center director of development, described the event as a chance for men and women to start shedding their COVID-19 outfits and begin to define their style again.

“We’re coming out of a year that included the daily monotony of dressing from the waist up for Zoom calls or blanking our screens. I think the psychology of putting something different on other than sweatpants and T-shirts can send a powerful signal that you’re ready to re-engage in self-expression. The Jackson Center hopes our guests, regardless of gender, will have fun watching young and seasoned leaders in our community model clothing ideas in which they can see themselves. Ultimately, it’s a light-hearted way to financially support the serious work we do every day to educate all generations on the importance of bringing Jackson’s perspective forward in the world today,” Beckerink said.

Every guest will be entered to win a grand prize four-day/three-night trip for two to Puerto Vallarta, including airfare and accommodations. The second prize winner will receive a TUMI Leger international carry-on suitcase from the Voyageur Collection. The third prize winner will receive a silk Hermes scarf.

In-person ticketholders are invited to a reception at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Center with cocktails, appetizers, music and an evening out with friends. Out-of-town guests or those who prefer to participate from their own space can purchase virtual tickets and experience unique previews online during the cocktail hour. At 7 p.m. the fashion show will start in the Jackson Center’s Cappa Theatre and broadcast nationally to virtual ticket holders, with commentary by veteran WJTN radio announcer Dennis Webster. Virtual ticket holders have until Aug. 13 to order a personal cut-out of themselves to fill the seat that night.

Sponsors include Macy’s, Chico’s, Weinberg Financial Group, Colecraft Commercial Furnishings, Ahlstrom Schaeffer, Falconer Printing, Allied Alarm, Modern Expressions, Take A Bough, Bag & String Wine Merchants, Planet Word, Rebel Nell, Dot’s Gift Boutique, The Parkview Restaurant and Artone LLC as welll as volunteer support by Joyce Sechler.