‘Biggest Loser’ mom headlines Bartlett fashion show

Maria Ventrella told the Bartlett Woman’s Club she’d be happy to participate in its events, and on Sunday she’ll prove it.

You probably know about her famous son, Michael Ventrella, who dropped from 526 pounds to 262 pounds last year on his way to winning season 9 of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.”

Mom not only supported her son, but also appeared on the reality show before being eliminated early on. Despite her elimination, she hasn’t stopped living a healthy lifestyle. And now she’s headed to the runway Sunday as one of 11 models for the woman’s club’s spring fashion show.

The 40th annual show, starting at noon Sunday at Villa Olivia, is the club’s biggest event of the year. The show this year is called “Eye Candy” and will feature fashions from Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. It serves as a fundraiser for scholarships the woman’s club has awarded for more than 30 years to high school seniors and women wanting to return to college.

Tickets are $30 for adults, and $18 for children 12 and under. Admission includes lunch, fashion and jewelry shows, a raffle and a silent auction.

Call Ruth at (630) 837-8125 or Christine at (630) 289-8426 for tickets or more information.