Biannual Couture for the Cure boosts MS research funding

Planning a high-end community fashion show is no small undertaking. In fact, event chair Gwen Wallin said she only hosts "Couture for the Cure" every other year because it takes that much time to prepare. 

She has to fold the baby pink cloth napkins into roses, prepping fabulous auction items — 37 of them — for bidding, timing an elegant lunch catered by Harry's Continental Kitchen, and the lovely volunteer models are ready to strut their stuff.

But there's merit to every carefully curated detail, as the greater success the fashion show, the more she can raise for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The fight for a cure is personal for Wallin, whose daughter, Carley Jones, received an MS diagnosis while she was attending college.

"Multiple sclerosis mostly hits women, and often at that age," she explained.

Jones is enjoying married life in Colorado with her two children and wasn't able to attend.

With the support of chief assistant Sherry Bock, event designer Jane Hunter, and fellow committee members, Wallin orchestrated the March 19 show at Longboat Harbour Condominium, drawing delighted smiles from attendees as they cheered on the models.

Displaying outfits planned by Kim Rummel of Sara Campbell, the six women each modeled three looks, complete with bag and shawl accessories.

This year's lineup included Margarita Lenk, Linda Herrick, Mary Beth Schiavone, Patti Guido, Cindy Sommer and Linda DiOrio.

Wallin said more than 100 people showed out to support the cause.

She noted there is still no cure for the disease, which causes the immune system to attack the nerve fiber's protective sheath. However, research has progressed in managing symptoms, and she hopes one day soon experts will find a cure.