PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)— St. Vincent de Paul held its 20th annual fashion show, bringing together fashion and fundraising at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center.
The event featured donated clothing items displayed on racks throughout the venue. Every dollar raised goes directly back into the community to support neighbors in need.
“It helps to purchase food, it helps to buy bus tickets. It helps to provide education for ladies who are trying to increase their earning capacity,” said Charlotte Boland, an event coordinator.
The fashion show has become a staple in Punta Gorda over its two decades. St. Vincent de Paul in Florida is the largest St. Vincent de Paul organization in the United States.
620 women attended the event, shopping and showcasing their creativity through themed table decorations. Many guests dressed to match their table’s theme, making it a highly anticipated annual gathering.
“Oh, it’s exhilarating. And when the fashion show starts, it’s so much fun. There’s so much energy. It’s all for a good cause,” said Mary Anne Faust, a guest at the event.
The runway featured models wearing only donated clothing. The community’s generosity makes the event possible, as organizers don’t purchase any items for sale or display.
“Being a retiree living in Punta Gorda and doing volunteer work and, you know, just getting the sense of completion that all that we do here, whether it’s financial or emotional support or whatever, it goes right back into the community of people in need,” said Ivan Pierre, a male model assistant in the show.