The premier fashion show “Passion for Fashion” on April 11, 2019 was a successful event at the Center of Anna Maria Island. This first showcase of spring and summer styles from the local boutiques on Pine Avenue is a fundraiser for the center’s programs that will receive all the proceeds. Tickets were $40 to participate to support this important part of our community that serves so many.
The event featured an elegant luncheon, a silent auction, honoring of local businessmen Ed Chiles and Mike Thrasher and the guest speaker Barbara Zdravecky that gave a talk about her passion for women in business and female empowerment.
Center Stage took the fashion show itself with models wearing the latest fashion wear from Pine Ave boutiques Bella By The Sea and Pink&Navy. With the owners Jo-Ann Lefner and Amy Fleece being co-chairs of the event plus several models being owners along other Pine Ave business female success was very well presented. Darcie Duncan of Duncan Real Estate showed 3 different looks on the cat walk that also features beach hats and bags. Jo-Ann from Bella By The Sea stressed that not only bold colors like yellows are popular, also being comfortable makes jumpsuits, jogging style pants and wrinkle-free sundresses a favorite choice this season. Amy Fleece from Pink&Navy narrated her model styles that showed off cute swim style choices for the little ones as well as men beach wear. Live steel drum music accompanied the experience.
Darcie Duncan (2nd right)
The silent auctions featured several handmade bags and fun get togethers like a shopping party for 20 at Bella By The Sea or Pink&Navy, Wine and Cheese pairing lesson from Olive Oil Outpost, a luncheon hosted at the Shiny Fish Emporium and a makeover at a Salon. The beautiful orchid decor at the tables was also available for purchase to support the Center’s programs.
Delicious cookies from the Pine Ave store “Hometown Dessert” were served as sweet endings of a great event. In addition each attendee received a swag bag of samples from several Pine Ave businesses.
