ON THE TOWN

Fund-raising is in fashion

Fall fashions and creepy costumes provided some classy and creative ideas for autumn partiers.

Kristin Mori models a dress during the Toledo Symphony League Fashion Show at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Tuesday, September 17, 2013.

A ROYAL Flair: Duchesses, Dukes, and Dogs, the 29th annual fashion event presented by the Ability Center Auxiliary, was Oct. 24 at the Premier, with fashions from Dillardss and Belle Amour.

Nearly 300 women shopped the vendor booths and silent auction and then lunched on a royal feast at white linen-covered chairs and tables with pale blue organza trim and crystal candelabras.

Raffles were exciting, especially for winners such as executive director Tim Harrington, who won the 50/50 cash raffle and donated it back to the cause.

Models strutted a runway that was anchored with columns and other decorations created by volunteer Alice Gerding Shorling.

The first model was Amanda Bell, who walked the runway with her assistance dog.

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to see more photos from these events

Male models drew cheers, especially one who gave a peek of his red socks.

Among the nearly 150 sponsors were underwriters Home Instead Senior Care, University of Toledo, The Andersons, Walker Funeral Home, and Empire Refractory Services of Ohio.

Almost $13,000 was raised to benefit the Ability Center of Greater Toledo. Event chairman Lisa Rozanski, who delivered a baby a month ago, was assisted by a vast committee including co-chairman Marielle Robie, president Sue Voorman, and long-time member Sue Cardone.

THE fifth annual Fashion for a Cause benefiting the 93-year-old Beach House Family Shelter was Oct. 19 at Central Park West with Ragazza of Perrysburg and Sylvania and V Concept of Sylvania.

Kudos to event chairman Andrea Proctor along with Kim Kaplan, Susan Park, and the event committee. The benefit raised more than $7,000 thanks to the 90 attendees.

IN observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Medical Mutual’s Breast Cancer Awareness Brunch was Oct.

19 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons.

The free brunch celebrated breast cancer survivors. The Debra A. Green Community Service Award was presented to survivor Barbara Oxner for her work to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention. A style show featured fall fashions presented by Chico’s at Levis Commons.

Kristian Brown, anchor/reporter for Channel 13 abc was a celebrity model for Ragazza Boutique at Fall Into Style, St. Ursula's signature shopping event and fashion show on October 2nd at the Carranor Hunt & Polo Club.

FALL Into Style, St. Ursula Academy’s shopping event and fashion show, was Oct. 2 at the Carranor Hunt & Polo Club with fashions by Ragazza, V Couture, Kids Klothesline, and Meg. Numerous vendors were on hand including Sophie’s Sister.

Nearly $4,000 was raised thanks to the more than 100 attendees. Event chairmen were Caitlin Scannell, Janet Landry Butler, Megan Cherry Martinek, Annie Baibak Johnson, and Christine Landry Flynn.

NOTABLE Fashions to benefit the Toledo Symphony League was Sept. 17 at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Jane Wurth described Ragazza fashions and Pam Pilz described CAbi styles. A purse auction enticed bids as high as $400.

Event chairmen Ms. Wurth and Deborah Born report a net of more than $7,000.

HALLOWEEN has become so popular that many parties were held in advance of the big day and continue through today. Spider webs, spooky music, and creepy foods set the scene. Hayrides, pumpkin patches, magic shows, outdoor fire pits, scarecrows, laser tag, scavenger hunts, and ghostly stories added to the frightful fun.