LINKS

Outwest Designs
Original Jewelry Design by Lynda Dinneen

Step Into Spring Fashion Show

Story by Peter Thomas
Photos by Justin Williams

The third annual Step into Spring Fashion, presented by the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR), was held April 10 at the St. Charles Medical Center’s Conference Center and, by all accounts, was a resounding success. In fact, there was such a large turnout, the conference center staff had to obtain several more tables and chairs to accommodate the considerable number of guests.

This unique fundraising event was a benefit for Habitat for Humanity and the WCR’s continuing education programs and leadership initiatives. What made this event so special, other than its philanthropic goals, was that it brought together a unique effort between realtors and apparel retailers. The retailers furnished the apparel and the realtors modeled it. A silent auction and raffle helped enhance the fundraising goals.

With more than 40 organizations contributing to the event through sponsorships and donations, President-elect Sydne Anderson noted, “This is our third year and it was absolutely over the top!” One of the objectives of the fashion show speaks to the heart of the WCR organization: networking. With such a large turnout, Anderson notes, “We’ve doubled our attendance and the amount of money we’ve raised every year, and this year was no exception.”

The local WCR chapter can trace its roots to the national organization founded in 1938. Since then, the organization has emphasized the importance of networking and the development of leadership skills. The local chapter continues this charter with monthly luncheons designed to educate and empower their members.

The luncheons also count toward the realtors’ required continuing education credits. Anderson emphasizes their goal: “We want to raise the bar of professionalism and integrity, and that is so important to belong to an organization such as ours, especially now. “This was a team effort all the way around and another huge success,” says Anderson. If success can be measured by the enthusiasm of the crowd, presenters, models and retailers, then Anderson is correct, the Step into Spring Fashion Show was a great achievement.