ECW Fashion ShowIn addition to monthly meetings with field trips or presenters ECW has 2 major fundraisers each year. For the 6th year we had our Spring Fashion Show & Basket Raffle. Each year we have grown in attendance, forcing us to move the event off-site for the second year in a row. A good problem to have! This year we took advantage of our neighbors half a mile down the road, Miles Grant Country Club. Ladies were greeted with a complimentary mimosa and a plethora of vegetable crudités, cheese, crackers and assorted dips. They had a chance to mingle and peruse the wide assortment of baskets available for raffle before sitting at royal blue tables decorated with Key West colored napkins arranged to look like bursts of bird of paradise flowers.
An Oriental salad topped with a grilled chicken breast was delivered in lightening speed by the skilled wait staff. Tables were set with a delicious Oriental dressing and toasted almonds to top the salad, and bottomless baskets filled with a variety of rolls. Once plates were cleared the ladies returned to the hors d'oeuvre tables which had been transformed into the dessert tables! Such an assortment….decisions, decisions. Coffee and tea were served and over 25 door prizes were distributed.
Once sated the ladies sat back to enjoy the Sizzlin' Caribbean Flair Fashions from local shops and boutiques. Food & Beverage Manager Dana Lambert, dressed in a tuxedo, helped each of the models on and off of the stage as the clothing was paraded for all to see. 22 baskets were won and a beautiful Sunburst quilt, made and donated by our own Deacon Carol Graves, was awarded to a lucky ticket holder! All attendees received discount coupons good on purchases at the participating shops.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all and monies were raised to help fund our grant and scholarship programs. Each year we take applications from local groups and award our fundraised grant money to those chosen by our endowment committee. Last year $4000 was given to 8 organizations and 2 scholars. All monies stay within our community and help worthy clubs, groups, scholars and organizations. Some of those who have been awarded in the past include: Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, Alzheimers Association safe return program, Port Salerno Elementary School, Dunbar Center, Healthy Start Coalition, 20/200 Fellowship. All of our events are always open to anyone wishing to participate.
