The 2019 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon officially launched on Tuesday, February 5. And what better place to kick it off than Tootsies, which has operated the fundraiser’s Chic Boutique. Event Chair Elizabeth Gambrell revealed all the plans for the May fashion showing and shopping including a change of names for the post-event Wearhouse. Here’s a report from the field:
2019 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon Chair Elizabeth Gambrell and 2019 Women’s Auxiliary President Deborah Budge were joined by more than 70 auxiliary members and supporters on Tuesday, February 5, at a kick-off celebration for the upcoming fundraiser benefiting The Salvation Army.
Hosted by long-time luncheon and Chic Boutique partner, Tootsies, the evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as partygoers perused the store’s fabulous spring fashions.
Attendees who arrived with a donation of gently worn or never worn closet couture and accessories were each gifted a $50 Tootsies gift card.
At the appointed time, guests gathered upstairs and took their seats as Ms. Budge welcomed all auxiliary members, as well as members of Echelon, The Salvation Army’s young professionals group, who were in attendance. Carolyn Miller followed with a brief prayer, before Ms. Gambrell took the microphone to give luncheon updates.
She reminded the group that the 27th Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Arts District on Tuesday, May 7. Jacqueline Fojtasek will serve as honorary chair, with Gina C. Jones, as the 2019 recipient of the Margot Perot Service Award.
Elizabeth added Tootsies would be taking donations of gently experienced clothes in return for a $25 gift card until Friday, March 8.
She encouraged all including Anne Davidson, Carol Seay, Sarah Roby, Betsy Willis, Joanna Turner, Marilyn Spencer, Kay Weir, Carey Davis, Georgia Davis, Janet Turnage, Sarah Branch, Barbara Dianis, Lauren Arthur, Toni Turner, Judy Dixon, Allison Sheeder, Ellen Flowers, Jadyn Cleveland, Ramona Jones, Susan Drake Rogers, Kathie Truitt, Marie Jones, Nancy Valant, Carolyn Farley, Nancy Theilmann, Ruth Wilson, Betty Swenson and Sue Hagler to get their tickets and sponsorships purchased soon for what promises to be a sold-out event.
DFW Metroplex Commander Major Barbara Rich then followed to add her gratitude to all for their support of The Salvation Army, who is helping people in need 24/7, whether it is helping federal workers who are not being paid or anywhere there is a gap.
She then recognized Tootsies for their long time support as Store Director Nerissa von Helpenstill and Sales Manager Dustin Holcomb took the stage to introduce the evening’s fashion presentation. The duo highlighted some of this spring’s hottest trends as members of the Women’s Auxiliary and Echelon walked the runway in the latest looks. Fashion show models included: Auxiliary executive committee members Lauren Arthur, Susan Drake Rogers, Betsy Willis, Janet Turnage and Georgia Davis, with Echelon members Allison Sheeder, Ellen Flowers and Jadyn Cleveland.
As the evening came to a close Ms. Budge encouraged everyone to stay and shop, and gave one final reminder about the upcoming May 7th luncheon as well as the annual Fashion Show After Sale, formerly known as the WEARhouse Sale, which is open to the public on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, at The Salvation Army’s Christmas and Disaster Center.
* Photo credit: Dana Driensky
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