Fashion show to raise funds for college for single parents

By Staff | Mar 11, 2015

Mary Beck

Single parents who are trying to work and raise a family can get financial help in the form of scholarships from the General Woman’s Club.

“We’ve been handing out scholarships for the last few years to young moms and dads who are trying to raise children along and who would like to go to a college or technical school to get a diploma which will help them financially,” said Mary Beck, one of the organizers of the club’s annual Spring Fashion Show.

For years, the club had given scholarships to young college students or recent high school graduates but decided that since so many other organizations in Lehigh Acres are helping in that cause, that the club would concentrate on helping those who are raising children alone. Those who have gotten help from the scholarship checks have written letters praising the club for its help, according to Reba Money, another organizer in the club.

This year’s annual General Woman’s Club Fashion Show is being billed “fully hot, hot, hot” styles for spring and summer.

Eight Lehigh women will be models at the club. They include Linda Antkiewiecz, Deb Frysinger, Debbie Murphy, Betty Walsh, Carolyn Bond, Joan Sozzi, Vanetta Prescott and Daphine Hopkins.

MEL TOADVINE Some of the models who will wear the latest spring and summer fashions to benefit scholarships for single parents. They are from left, Linda Antkiewiecz, Deb Frysinger, Debbie Murphy, Betty Walsh and Carolyn Bond.

“All of the women are very excited about the upcoming luncheon and show,” Beck said.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held March 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Colonial Country Club.

The latest fashions will be presented by Haley Rogers assisting Katie LaPiere, manager of Chico’s, who is the emcee. Chico’s is at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.

The luncheon and fashion show is in its 55th year and close to 175 guests are expected to attend. Tickets are $25. Call Loretta Milligan at 239-303-2454.

Milligan said those who want to attend should not wait as space is limited at the club dining room.

MEL TOADVINE Spearheading the fashion show are from left, Mary Beck, Loretta Milligan, standing; Barbara Fusco, and Reba Money.

There will be raffles and a 50/50 drawing after the show. Items will include jewelry, purses, gift certificates and gift baskets.

Money, who has been associated with the fashion show for years, noted that the luncheon and fashion show is the major fundraiser.

“This provides the club for the money for the scholarships,” Money said.

Models will mingle through the crowd while showing the latest fashions from Chico’s.

Last year, five young single mothers were awarded $500 scholarships.

Beck said the show that provides scholarship money for the single parent means financial help to any type of higher education such as Florida Gulf Coast University and the other colleges in Lee County, the Southwest Florida Community College, formerly Edison College, or any other school such as those that teach technical and vocational courses.

Those putting the luncheon and show together said they wanted not only single moms, but single dads, too. A few years ago, one single father was given a scholarship to finish his higher education in an effort to better support his family.

While many applications have already been received, call Milligan at 239-303-2454 to submit one.

The General Woman’s Club Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show has become a major event for residents.

: MEL TOADVINE Some of the models who will wear the latest spring and summer fashions to benefit scholarships for single parents. They are from left, Linda Antkiewiecz, Deb Frysinger, Debbie Murphy, Betty Walsh and Carolyn Bond.

: MEL TOADVINE Spearheading the fashion show are from left, Mary Beck, Loretta Milligan, standing; Barbara Fusco, and Reba Money.