Fashion Show and High Tea a Huge Success

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Published on Friday, 16 January 2009 19:26

The AMU ballroom took on the flavor of Milan Thursday as models of all ages paraded down the runway at a High Tea and Fashion Show to benefit the university. Colleen Kvetko and her dog Diva wore co-ordinated outfits.

The afternoon affair, sponsored by the Founders Club of Naples, drew more than 300 people and raised thousands for the Financial Aid Fund of Ave Maria University. Marjorie Monaghan was the honorary chair. Co-chairs Vivian Kelly and Rosemary Coyle have been planning the event since last March.

Attendees were treated to displays of clothing organized by Jeannie Rush, owner of The Secret Ingredient in the town center, and jewelry chosen by Renee Beckner of Beckner Jewelry, which has stores in Ave Maria and Naples.

Strains of harp music played by Jenelle House (right) greeted attendees as they entered the ballroom.  The music was sponsored by Jim and Moira Fennessey in memory of Carol Connolly, a long-time supporter of Ave Maria to whom the show was dedicated.

Racks of items from The Secret Ingredient were set up outside the ballroom. At left, Barb Roy (L) and Kathy Coleman try on some of the wares.

 

Below, some attendees pose in their festive hats.

 

 

 

 

 

At right, co-chair Vivian Kelly watches the beginning of the program. 

Left, Ed Rivera, president of the Naples Founders' Club, who served as emcee, sells tickets to a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses and other donors.

 

 

At right,  Jeanie Rush narrates the fashion show. Models walked down a runway set up in the center of the ballroom (below).

 

 

 

 

 

Kids were some of the most popular models, wearing clothing from Cottontails in Naples. At right, Madison (in aqua) and Mackenzie Graham walked down the runway with Mary Elizabeth and Luke Klein.

Left, Madison and Mackenzie showed some other clothing from Cottontails.










At left, Connie Von Zwehl and Zachary Bragg. At right, Katina and Zoe Taylor.

 

 

 

 

Sandy Jackoboise (left).

At right, Gigi Daniel models a dress designed by Lee Andersen, who was one of the program's featured designers.