Friday, Nov. 07, 2008

Larre’s Corner

Now this is how you have a fashion show using community models!

Last week, I was wowed by the 2008 Luncheon and Style Show benefiting the Open Arms Program themed Seasons of Hope, led by chairwoman Beth Leaman and co-chairwoman Patti Fuller.

First, this event was at the Cacharel Grand Ballroom in Arlington, which, although it may not be the most common venue for organizations in our area, turned out to be the perfect location.

Secondly, this event did not have a silent auction. Instead, they put everything in raffle-type wish bowls. Attendees purchased raffle tickets and dropped them inside the bowl for the item that they were interested in. Usually this concept is reserved for auctions with few items — but that wasn’t the case here!

To the event committee members — Joan Church, Carolyn Fobes, Cathy Gordon, Bonnie Kurtz, Fonda Martin, Lara Morrow, Carole Phillips, Lynda Sanders, Shirley Schollmeyer, Brandy Schimmel, Leah Shaver, Lisa Starnes, Carolyn Sims, Linda Timmons, Amy Walker, Judith Wills and Janet Wilson — well done!

Then last but not least, the show. OMG!

This group used community members as models and usually this doesn’t work.

But this group has renewed my faith in the concept.

OK, before anyone says it, I know not every organization can afford, or even wants to pay for professional models. I completely understand that, but to me, that just means that when it comes time to ask people to be a model on their runway, they choose individuals as if they were looking for personnel to fill a job at their own company and not just because of personal relationships. If it were me, I would remember this list of names: Kathy Adams, Dorene and Jim Badalamenti, Terri Bibbee, Karen Boeckman, Barby Derby, Emmie Coleman, Elsie Gunter, Jo Carol Haynes, Kim McDowell, Hazel Murphy, Lynda and Leighton Railsback, Teresa Rutherford, Shirley Schollmeyer, Cathy Sperring, Patti Tennery and Gary Bekendorf.

I’d place these "models" on the "must call" list when needing to show off fashions and keep the crowd cheering at the same time.

At this fashion show, the runway was definitely not in vogue; these models climbed on top of raised boxes within the room and entertained the crowed as if they were in was the Cocktail Theater in Vegas. They shimmied, shook and one caused several ladies to swoon, when he lifted his shirt and showed off his muscular torso. That would be Mr. Bekendorf.

And for those of you wondering who it was giving an impersonation of Dolly Parton — complete with the blond wig and the two big ideas — that would be Ms. Adams, who could definitely take this act on the road.

But let’s not overlook the fashions; they were outstanding. Based on what I heard, Stein Mart in Hurst may be the only retail establishment breathing a bit easier this quarter. These attendees were ready to get in their car a drive over to the store that afternoon to chase down the clothes they saw in the show.

Plus, inspirational speaker Sara Ivey shared stories and footage from the documentary, Portrait of Abuse; An American Epidemic.

This event was engaging, fresh, fun and even more importantly, it made money!

I just found out that the event cleared more than $83,000 for Open Arms. Applause to you all!