The season's sparkler showcase that 650 guests look forward to annually is the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Runway Fashion Show. As in years past, the 2025 tickets sold out in about one week.
On March 28 guests entered The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and were greeted with champagne. At 10 a.m., the red velvet ropes on gold stanchions were removed and guests pile into the racks and tables shopping for clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories curated from the SPARCC Treasure Chest, an upscale resale shop located in downtown Sarasota and run by the SPARCC Auxiliary.
Behind the scenes at the same time, Event Chair Vickie Smith and Fashion Chair Darci Jacob were handling last-minute details. As Smith tended to guests and volunteers, Jacob made sure things were running smoothly with 30 models, 30 stylists and dressers, hair and makeup volunteers, and a security team made up of volunteer husbands.
The Ritz-Carlton ballroom was transformed into a fashion show runway. This year’s show modeled seascape trends, all coming from SPARCC’s Treasure Chest.
President and CEO Jessica Hays shared that the organization answered 6,105 hotline calls in the 2023-24 year, with each one presenting an opportunity to help someone encountering domestic abuse. Rosemary Eure spoke about people making a difference using the “three T’s: time, talent and treasures.”
Proceeds from the luncheon help SPARCC further its mission, "to provide a safe haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence in our communities."
Volunteer models Millie Anne Colgate and Jamie McGraw on the SPARCC runway.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays with VP of Philanthropy Mary Ellen Mancini.
Photo by Janet Combs
Model Wendy Rossiter and her blowup flamingo rock the SPARCC runway event.
Photo by Janet Combs
The dynamic duo: Event Chair Vickie Smith and Fashion Chair Darci Jacob before 650 guests arrive for the SPARCC luncheon.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sharyl Smith and Laura Leeming show off some muscle with their personal trainer and volunteer SPARCC Runway model, Jamie McGraw.
Photo by Janet Combs
Dawn Spencer and Geri Waksler wait in the checkout line at the SPARCC luncheon held March 28.
Photo by Janet Combs
The Allysons are stylists and dressers Allyson Cooney and Allyson Galuska.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kali Karcher took a flight from Pensacola to attend the SPARCC Fashion Show as a guest of Renee Phinney from sponsor Palm Printing.
Photo by Janet Combs
Margaret Breuer, Stacey M Frazier and Judy Wolff volunteer for the SPARCC Runway on March 28.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kate Graham, Shayna Callaway, Lori Deitz, Nancy Raymond, Jo Marie Privitera, Melissa Smith, Raphael Diaz and Glory Slupe assist guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Acting as ushers for the day, Jackie Frank and Colleen Curran direct people to their luncheon tables.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mercedita Oconnor, Joanne Heisen and Vera Koehler enjoy the fashion show during lunch.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC Shelter Director Tanjee Lane with Margo Bischof.
Photo by Janet Combs
Rosemary Eure from presenting sponsor Lancaster & Eure.
Photo by Janet Combs
30 models volunteered to walk the runway in front of some 650 guests at the SPARCC Runway Fashion Show.
Photo by Janet Combs
With about 25 years combined experience at this event Bill Mandl, Bill Bischof, Steve Grossman, and Bob Keir consider themselves a "crack team" and will not divulge any dressing room secrets.
Photo by Janet Combs
Stylist Candace Copeland from Fantasy Flair places "fairy hair" into Erin Sleezer's coiff.
Photo by Janet Combs
Courtney Marie Shrem walks in beachwear donated to the SPARCC Treasure Chest.
Photo by Janet Combs
Model Kensington Wheeler volunteers for the SPARCC Runway on March 28 at the Ritz-Carlton.
Photo by Janet Combs
Fran Johnson and Mary Jo Pressman volunteered their time, talent and makeup to the fashion show.
Photo by Janet Combs
Olga Coronas and Jennifer Mitchell enjoy the SPARCC luncheon.
Photo by Janet Combs
Barbara Gardner and Bonnie McIntyre are on the board of directors of SPARCC.
Photo by Janet Combs
Terri Kowalski, Colleen Curran and Bonnie VanOverbeke, who is the SPARCC Auxiliary president.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC's Melissa Silva and Ning Tinsley
Photo by Janet Combs
Après luncheon treasure hunting with Melinda Sutter, Robin Moore and Lisa Falk.
Photo by Janet Combs
Suzette Jones shops after lunch with her aunt, Kathy Daniels.
Photo by Janet Combs
Professional dancers Sanda Lungu and Kakha Turiashvili after cutting loose with guest Kali Karcher at the after-party.
Photo by Janet Combs
Krystel Beall smiles as she swishes through the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in her multicolored Oscar de la Renta.
Photo by Janet Combs
Patty Santarosa with SPARCC board members Joan Castellani and Gwen Arcara.
Photo by Janet Combs
Store manager Linda Thull and volunteer Pat Reinhart from SPARCC Treasure Chest.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC Runway Fashion Show 2025 model finale instructions.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lori Deitz, Ning Tinsley, Crysal Leuty, Shayna Callaway, Melissa Ferlazzo, Linda Thull, Melissa Smith, Shannon Stafford, Nicole Hartscok, Mary Ellen Mancini and Jessica Hays
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC Treasure Chest volunteer and Auxiliary Board member Kathy Finnerty cites organizing the jewelry as her favorite part of the annual fashion show.
Photo by Janet Combs
Debbie Grossman and Sandy Fulkerson volunteer at the SPARCC Runway held on March 28th.
Photo by Janet Combs
Team Michelle Brault-Clarke and Joe Clarke are volunteer raffle ticket sellers at the SPARCC luncheon.
Photo by Janet Combs
Cici Couchot, Emily Meinke and Kris Ravenscroft volunteer at the annual fashion show held at the Ritz-Carlton on March 28.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lilliana Pelham, Mackenzie Poppa and Zahra Kimunya are volunteer models for the SPARCC Fashion Show.
Photo by Janet Combs
Models for SPARCC Fashion Show are Wendy Rossiter and Kelly Dean.
Photo by Janet Combs
Malika Apple at the SPARCC Runway and luncheon on March 28.
Photo by Janet Combs
Marlene Lancaster and Sarah Massey attend the SPARCC Runway and luncheon on March 28.
Photo by Janet Combs
SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays and Cornelia Matson
