Women's Club of Cascades hosts fundraiser for Mothers Helping Mothers

Members 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.”