Longboat Island Chapel struts into spring

On March 9, the chapel hosted a fashion show and garden party.

By Lesley Dwyer
| 3:15 p.m. March 10, 2023

Longboat Key
Neighbors

March 9 at the Longboat Island Chapel could’ve been mistaken for Derby Day. The brims were wide, feathered and fascinating for the annual Lord’s Warehouse Garden Party Fashion Show & Luncheon.

Clothes were pulled off the racks at the chapel’s consignment shop and brought to life as congregation members strutted around the dining hall in designer garments and accessories.

Instead of sitting in a chair outside the dressing room while their wives shop, some of the chapel husbands were put to work. Looking dapper in suspenders and cumberbuns, they happily volunteered to serve lunch, clear plates and refill waters for about 130 guests.

Attendees ate lunch and sipped on cocktails made of Chambord and prosecco, while the models showcased three collections: Daytime Casual, Ladies Who Lunch and Evening Eleganza. The clothes were priced in the program and for sale after the show.

Money raised by the Lord’s Warehouse is added to the chapel’s charitable outreach fund, which supports a dozen local charities. So emcee Lesley Rife asked the audience to pack up their nostalgia and clean out their closets.

“Look at all those items and enjoy those memories. Don’t let anything get by, even that pair of shoes that look absolutely knockdown gorgeous with the lavender dress, but they hurt so bad that you can only wear them for the first hour of the event,” Rife said. “Bring them to the Lord’s Warehouse. Somebody will wear them, somebody will love them. Give them the love they deserve.”

The Lord’s Warehouse is located at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Connie DiMaggio is first up for the models.

The women wear their biggest and best hats for the show.

Polly Stark models a Lily Pulitzer sweater and Tommy Bahama hat.

Liz Lammers shows off an orange cardigan from Tommy Bahama.

Debbie Kintzley in a two-piece top from White House Black Market.

Patti Mae Bosco struts in a polka dot dress by Menu and accessorizes with a Coach purse.

Sandra Johnson walks in a white linen jacket by J Jill.

Surprise model Michael Nunes is going to the beach after the show.

Christie Mazurek models embellished leggings with a pink cadigan from The LImited.

Beth McLaughlin in an INC top and Lulu B pants.

Pattie Glynn and Patty Helminski. Glynn's happy because she just won a raffle prize.

It's a full house at the Longboat Island Chapel on March 9 for the Lord's Warehouse Garden Party Fashion Show & Luncheon.

Rev. Brock Patterson and Karen Pashkow with Patterson's dog Pippa. Pippa is wearing a top that says, "Hello, Gorgeous."

Anne Hasenfus takes Rev. Brock Patterson's winning raffle ticket.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.