Rock for Water fashion show set for May 30

LORAIN — FireFish Arts lights up the Rock for Water Recycled Fashion Show on May 30, continuing a legacy of art, fashion and community. Last year, the fashion show returned after a five-year hiatus under the leadership of founder Peggy Sinibaldi, who is now passing the torch to FireFish Arts Executive Director Joan Perch. "When I went to that first event so many years ago, I was blown away by the quality of work," Perch said. "I felt like I could be in New York. I just kept snapping pictures. The next year, I started a team." Peggy Sinibaldi, former owner of A David Anthony Salon & Spa, put on the show for nine years, donating half the proceeds to the Black River Clean Up board and half to the Sierra Club, as part of the Aveda Clean Water Project. In 2020, the show couldn't go on because of COVID, and it fell off until last year when Perch approached Sinibaldi at the FireFish Festival asking if it could be brought back to benefit FireFish Arts. She agreed to bring the show back for one more year, but its future was uncertain. Then, Perch and Lisa Gonzalez, Rock for Water co-chair, took it on. A self-described "fun artist, not fine artist," Perch said participants don't have to be artists, they just have to like creativity. "Beauty is integral to connecting to one another," she said. "Yes, it is a competition, but it also brings people together to have fun in front of an audience. It's a beautiful experience." Perch and Gonzalez hope to increase the youth presence in the show this year and raise more funds to benefit FireFish. Gonzalez was part of FireFish Arts' Sparks team for the fashion show last year. Sparks is the nonprofit's youth intern program. Dressed as a phoenix in old poinsettia flowers, newspaper feathers and a Solo cup tail, a flame ignited in Gonzalez. "It was such an incredible experience working with the kids," she said. "It was very joyful and a great way to help inspire more community. It was just really creative and so much fun." An experienced event planner, Gonzalez is excited for the future of the fashion show. "Rock for Water is a high-energy, visual performance where teams bring recycled and repurposed materials to life through fashion, movement, music and design," she said. "It's playful, family-friendly, and rooted in the belief that creativity and sustainability can spark joy, connection, and community. Funds raised through Rock for Water help support FireFish Festival, a community celebration on Sept. 19, as well as Sparks, FireFish Arts' year-round creative program working with local teens. About $7,500 was raised in 2025 and Perch and Gonzalez hope to raise even more this year for Sparks and the FireFish Festival. In addition to new entertainment this year at the fashion show, there is also a silent auction and a raffle for a $1,000 gift certificate to Levit Jewelers. "Sponsorship support provides visibility and recognition not only at Rock for Water on May 30, but also at FireFish Festival in September — meaning your support is uplifted across two major community events that celebrate art, creativity, and downtown Lorain, " Gonzalez said. There are three ways to be part of Rock for Water this year: participate as a team and create a recyclable art performance for the stage; sponsor Rock for Water, supporting the event while being recognized at both Rock for Water and FireFish Festival or donate a silent auction basket, helping to raise funds. Sponsorship begins at $500. For more information about sponsorship, donations or forming a team, contact Lisa Gonzalez at (440) 225-0660 or Kim Gonzalez at (440) 213-8141. "Art changes community," Gonzalez said. "The arts are so powerful. It can make change in so many ways and open so many doors. Lorain County is a special place. Events like this encourage people to celebrate that. A lot of incredible things come from here and I have a lot of pride in our community." Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.