- February 13, 2025
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Charles King guides Terrie Thorstad towards the aisle.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' Irene Baggio, Veronica Perry, and Veronica Cooper enjoy the show.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' Terry Passarelli, Millie Fischer, and Marsha Bloomfield arrived in matching outfits they purchased at the previous fashion show.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' John LiMarzi and Ron Salotto provide live music during the fundraiser.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' Ida Engelberg and Joanna Byrne help themselves to hors d'oeuvres.
Photo by Ian SwabySherry Kenny presents a new look as Janet Carr, owner of Accessories and More, provides narration.
Photo by Ian SwabyMaria Salerno enters the room dressed to impress.
Photo by Ian SwabyLisa Devivo brings a new dress and a radiant expression to the runway.
Photo by Ian SwabySue Rosenfeld shows off a handbag to match her attire.
Photo by Ian SwabyChris Wertz closes out her turn on the stage with a hand from Nick Mennell.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascade's Sue Rosenfeld shows off a colorful outfit.
Photo by Ian SwabyModels include Women's Club of Cascades members Chris Wertz, Sue Rosenfeld, Maria Salerno, Sherry Kenny, Ann King, Terrie Thorstad, Bonnie Versele, and Lisa Devivo.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' Stu Krams provides live music at the fashion show.
Photo by Ian SwabyMothers Helping Mothers team member Rosemary McMullen addresses the audience.
Photo by Ian SwabyAll eyes were on Cascade's Terrie Thorstad as she strolled down the aisle wearing a bright green outfit.
Photo by Ian SwabyBonnie Versele steps down the aisle in a vibrant outfit.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascade's Maria Salerno takes a stroll down the aisle to raise funds for Mothers Helping Mothers.
Photo by Ian SwabyHelen LiMarzi is vice president of the Women’s Club and Jane Faix is president.
Photo by Ian SwabyCascades' Bonnie Reeves browses through outfits during the fashion show.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the Women's Club of Cascades wanted to hold an event to support the Mothers Helping Mothers group that helps families in need.
So why not look good while doing it?
On March 9, the Women's Club of Cascades in Sarasota hosted its second annual fashion show with eight club members serving as the models. The event had a theme of "Steppin' Out and Steppin' Up Again."
“We're all very grateful to be living in paradise," said Helen LiMarzi, the club's vice president. "We need to give back, and this is one of the opportunities to have a lovely social event for our members.”
Clothing items were provided by Janet Carr, owner of Accessories and More of Sarasota.
Club President Jane Faix said the event produced an overwhelming response after it was held for the first time last year.
“Every dollar we can give to nonprofits is a gift," Faix said "Everyone is struggling at all different levels.”
Mothers Helping Mothers was represented by Rosemary McMullen, who said she was grateful to the Women’s Club for its financial assistance.
“I’m just overwhelmed with their generosity,” she said.
She said Mothers Helping Mothers serves more than 4,500 families and provides materials including car seats, diapers, infant formula, and strollers.
The models were a bit nervous before the event, but once they began to walk the runway, they looked confident.
“You just have to be yourself,” club member Maria Salerno said. “When you see people in the audience that you know, that helps, and I felt comfortable in the clothes I was wearing.”
Faix said those who attended loved they could buy the clothes the models were wearing right after the event.
“This is instant gratification,” Faix said. “You’ll see the model, and you'll say, ‘Wow, that looks good.’ And you go right to the back of the room and they can find it for you.”