A Wee Bit of Fashion raises more than a wee bit of philanthropy funds
The Women's Club of Inverness has been reinvesting net proceeds from its spring and fall fundraisers back into the community for more than 50 years.
This year's fashion show luncheon benefit, "A Wee Bit of Fashion," continues a 30-year tradition and was held Thursday, April 11. The Scottish theme was in honor of the club's Inverness legacy.
Guests spent the morning at Stonegate Banquet & Conference Centre trying their luck to win one of the 10 raffle baskets, score gift cards or cash from the Money Board or be the winning silent auction bidder, and all while indulging in some retail therapy in the boutique.
Many snapped photos at the new Women's Club of Inverness Banner Wall, which featured a special guest, Outlander's Jamie Fraser. Maintaining his boyish good looks of 23 years since 1743, our guests flocked to meet this cardboard heartthrob, with no cares that Fraser appeared a "little stiff" and unresponsive to their swooning.
Overall, guests enjoyed a day of friendship, fashion, and feasting as they supported Women's Club of Inverness.
Once in the ballroom, Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ Productions wowed the audience with her runway production showcasing several Michigan Avenue boutiques: Anne Fontaine, Karen Millen, LK Bennet, Worth and MaxMara fashions dazzled the audience with spring, and, of course, plaid looks.
Furs and golf/tennis attire also walked the runway courtesy of York Furriers and PGA SuperStore in Schaumburg. The professional models were entertaining, but certainly no popular than the two Scottish terriers, MacDougal and MacIzzy, courtesy of Bob and Nancy Gaul of Inverness. Even male model, Anthony, in a kilt could not compete with these Mac's.
Fashion Show Chairwomen Fran Guziel and Liz McKay brought a reminder to the audience of the event's purpose. A former, three-time Women's Club of Inverness scholarship winner, Catherine Clarke, shared her story of reversing her destiny through education.
Catherine's remark was that the Women's Club of Inverness scholarship may have been one of many and the amount not as significant; however, it was the first scholarship award received, which transformed her self-esteem and empowerment to persevere.
Clarke continued her education, receiving a master's in art therapy from the Art Institute of Chicago.
McKay, who has served as Women's Club of Inverness's Education Committee chair several times, said, "This was the first time a former scholarship winner spoke at a WCI fundraiser, and her impact was powerful. WCI was able to offer two more scholarships due to a specific scholarship plea after the speaker."
Guziel added, "The support of membership, community, and our guests contributed to overall net proceeds in excess of $41,000. We thank all the generous lassies … and laddies."
The membership will approve the board's recommendation for the 2018-19 philanthropy donations at the May 9 General Meeting. At that time, the scholarship winners will also be presented.
Women's Club of Inverness President Karen Spering added, "The May meeting is one of celebration for another successful year of WCI giving to help women, children, families and seniors in our community."
The May 9 meeting commences at 9:30 a.m., with presentation of the scholarship recipients, followed by the business meeting. There is no fee to attend, but an RSVP is required.
Visit www.womensclubofinverness.com for information about Women's Club of Inverness meetings, events and membership.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.