Don’t trip, and keep on smiling.
Those were the two thoughts going through Patti Wrobel’s mind as she walked to the stage with all eyes upon her during “Paradise Runway,” the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club fundraiser March 11 at Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
A lover of fashion, Wrobel was modeling clothes from Darci’s boutique of Sarasota.
Funds from “Paradise Runway” will be distributed among four charities — Hope Family Services, Solve Maternity Homes, Smart with Heart and Children’s Guardian Fund.
Rachel Besaw, an office assistant for Children’s Guardian Fund, said her nonprofit provides support to children removed from their homes. The organization provides resources that include clothes, tutoring, birthday cards, drivers education, and more.
“It’s great to see the faces behind the donations that come in,” Besaw said. “Several women have volunteered their time to help with different events so they’re not only giving money but they’re also giving their time. It’s neat to have the one-on-one connections and to see how they raise funds to support us.”
Laurie Fox, a sponsor for the event, has lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years. She is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker and has been part of the women’s club for 10 years.
“I’ve been sponsoring the fashion shows for many years and it is the nicest group of ladies ever,” Fox said. “They do so much good in the community and I just love it.”
Trish Newman is the chair for the event. She said the fashion show was in honor of Monika Templeman, who organized the fashion show for many years. She died from cancer in 2024. They didn’t have a fundraiser in 2025.
“Monika’s death happened so late in the year and it just took the wind out of our sails,” Newman said. “To me, this fashion show was for her.”
Patti Wrobel has modeled in several fashion shows for charity over the years, including the “Paradise Runway” fashion show for the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club. She says while she is modeling she tells herself not to trip and to keep on smiling.
Barbara Thornton, a member of Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club for 13 years, says she loves the fun friendships and the community service that the club provides.
Monique Govostes, originally from France, has been a member of the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club for 10 years.
Janet Nash models a matching two-piece outfit at the “Paradise Runway” fashion show for the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club.
Row Cruikshank, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club for nine years, models a pink golf outfit at the “Paradise Runway” fashion show.
Regina Napoli and Row Cruikshank are among the models from the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club who walk the runway to raise money for charity.
Tyler Butler and Jennifer Pierson took the “Paradise Runway” travel themed fashion show to the next level by using luggage from the 70s.
Pamela Szabo, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club for 10 years, says she loves supporting philanthropy while having fun.
Trish Newman, the chair of the “Paradise Runway” fashion show, says the event was in honor of Monika Templeman. Templeman was heavily involved in the club for years and died of cancer in 2024.
Molly Barrett, a member of Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club for nine years, loves how all the women come together to give back to women and children in need.
Andrea Burr, the president of the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club, welcomes guests to the “Paradise Runway” fashion show.
Laurie Fox, the platinum sponsor for the event and a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, models a “Sold” purse at the “Paradise Runway” fashion show.
Mona Stirling says the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club has something for everyone.
Cheryl Metsky, Jane Hussar and Julia Dennis attend the “Paradise Runway” fashion show fundraiser that benefits four local charities.