What does it take to get a bunch of current and former NFL players to agree to strut down a catwalk like supermodels and pose pretty for the camera? How about one very determined former NFL wife who knows all the right words to “out game” these professional gamers? With her natural knack for negotiating and flair for fashion, she managed to pull off the ultimate fashionista fundraiser that’s been years in the making.
History “Her”story
To call Renee Reese, wife of former Philadelphia Eagle Ike Reese, an overachiever would be an understatement. She’s a personal shopper for an A-list roster of high profile clients, she owns a successful online boutique, and hosts an annual fashion show that combines football and fashion to raise money for selected charities. Not to mention the whole raising kids and keeping a happy home aspect of her oh-so-busy life. But you won’t find her complaining about any of it. This is the life Renee’s been dreaming about since her husband was in the league.
She and her husband Ike met during Renee’s freshman year in college at Michigan State. The college sweethearts married and headed East for Philadelphia when Ike got a job with the Eagles. While her husband was making moves on the field, Renee was making moves in her own career, earning a second degree. But she was hesitant to embark on her ultimate mission of starting her own business as a boutique owner and personal stylist. After all, how do you start a business when you don’t where you’re going to live in 6 months?
When Ike signed with the Falcons in 2005, Renee started offering up her personal shopping services in Atlanta. 2 years later, Ike Reese retired from the NFL and the family moved back to Philly. With her client list growing, Renee knew it was time to put her boutique plan into action.
What she may not have realized is that the Jadarenee online boutique would turn out to be just the beginning. Renee eventually came up with the idea to use her connections and a passion for fashion to help raise money for charitable organizations.
Letting it Rip
The Renee Reese Rip the Runway fashion event started as a fashion show featuring slim and sexy models. But in its second year, it evolved into something much more ingenious. Renee decided to use NFL players as her catwalk cuties. This year’s event, which took place on June 14th at G-Lounge in Philadelphia, featured players like Chris Gocong, Lito Sheppard, and Reggie Brown. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to the United Way of Camden County, New Jersey.
Renee says giving back has always been a big part of her ambitious life plan. Last year she joined other current and former NFL wives to team up with Habitat for Humanity for a fundraising and home building event in New Orleans. The project took place under the umbrella of an NFL wives sisterhood of sorts called “Off the Field.” (Off the Field also hosts a fashion show during the Super Bowl to raise money for a charity in the Super Bowl host city.)
With a lot of hard work and unending determination, Renee Reese stepped out of the shadow of her husband’s high profile career. The wife and mother is now highly regarded as a business owner, philanthropist, and style maven. And you thought NFL wives were just arm candy.
To see pictures of the Renee Reese Rip the Runway event, follow the link.