PSL Business Women 31st Annual Fashion Show a roaring success

Michelle Glass, at left, Michelle Backus, John Gallagher, and Donna DeMarchi.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women and their guests dressed the part for a Flapper-style 1920’s-themed Fashion Show held on April 22 at Harbour Ridge & Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. More than $24,400 was raised for their Community Action Grants which are awarded to local nonprofit agencies that benefit women and children, and provide scholarships for women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College. Awards and scholarships will be presented later this year.

“The Fashion Show was a huge success,” says co-chair Kathy Post. “It was nice to see so many familiar faces. The guests were having a great time enjoying the wonderful food, the fun photo booth and the silent auction. Our range of fashions appealed to all; there was something for everyone. We truly appreciate all the support in helping to make our event a success and furthering our mission to help the women and children in St. Lucie County.”

Six high school boys outfitted in tuxedos by Cardita Formal Wear escorted guests who sported jeweled and fringed dresses accessorized with long strands of pearls and sparkling feathered headbands, to their seats, adding a touch of elegance to this glamourous event.

Luxury couture fashions by local designers Kallee Jackson (kalleejackson.com), hand-painted clothing and accessories by VIVRE Couture (vivrecouture.com), brightly colored clothing with a tropical flair from Port St. Lucie-based I’ll Have What She’s Wearing (sheswearing.commentsold.com), White House Black Market in Palm Beach Gardens (whitehouseblackmarket.com), Cato’s in St. Lucie West and Cardita Formal Wear in Jensen Beach (carditaformalwear.com).

The 110 silent auction items, including themed gift baskets, gift certificates and memberships generated high-stakes competitiveness. Top takers included four tickets to a Marlins game, including field passes for batting practice, a weekend stay in a 2-bedroom cottage at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach, and a plethora of gift cards presented in a framed collage.

Every year G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce unveils a custom piece of jewelry designed according to the theme of the Fashion Show. This year’s necklace featured a starburst of diamonds with a total of one karat weight surrounding an 8mm freshwater pearl on an 18-inch 14-karat white gold chain. The necklace was valued at $2,200 and generated much enthusiasm. Bernadette Wilkinson was the ultimate winner, immediately donning her prize.

Former PSL Business Women member and past president Michelle MacNichol won the “Speakeasy” Liquor package. Rochelle Finch will always carry herself in style as the winner of the 3-piece Michael Kors purse set donated by Brenda Gallagher, owner of Federal Title Insurance Agency of Rockledge.

Donna Camtbello was ecstatic when her number was called as the winner of 50/50, a prize of $1,025!

The Port St. Lucie Business Women thank those who attended their affair and the following businesses for their support: Greg Childress, owner of G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce; Roaring 20s Sponsor Donna DeMarchi with The Eberst Law Firm; Great Gatsby Sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS; SpeakEasy Sponsors Children’s Services Council and iTHINK Financial; Jazz Sponsors Seacoast Bank, Post Insurance and Financial, Watercrest Senior Living – St. Lucie West, Truly Title, Aapex Electric Services, Dwyer Environmental Services, Florida Power & Light, Vineyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, and White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery; and Flapper Sponsor Christina Lofthus/Mary Kay. Thanks also go to media sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women also thank Fashion Show emcee Lynette Lockwood and DJ Tony Solomon of Fullhouse Entertainment for providing the music.

This major fundraiser helps support the organization's Community Action Grants, which go to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children and provides scholarships for women who have chosen to pursue their education at Indian River State College. To date, more than $200,000 in Community Action Grants has been awarded to local nonprofit agencies benefitting women and children, and $130,500 in scholarships have been given to women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. The Port St. Lucie Business Women Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization for developing the potential of businesswomen through scholarships and for the awarding of community action grants. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com