It was to a packed house that Women United for Community Action held it’s 5th Annual Fashion Show on Sunday, March 20, at the Holiday Inn Valley View. The decorating scheme of tables covered with white tablecloths, chairs draped with white covers and accented with navy blue bows greeted fashion show attendees.
Garland Gravely President & Co-Founder, Fashionista Roanoke, Inc. and Joyce Watkins served as the commentators for the fast moving show featuring furs from Carl Rossen, owner of Henri Kessler Furs & Outerwear, beautiful fashion outfits shown by Rosa Weeks of Christy’s Apparel and Accessories, children’s hairstyles created by Cleveland Swain of Divas House of Hair. Camarie Law and Kaden Wade wore fashions from David’s Bridal House.
Garland Gravely also added fashions from Target, The Birdcage, Hidden Treasures and Shades of Color. A dance performed by the Pilgrim Baptist Church Ladies Dance Group, S-GLOW under the direction of Mrs. Connie Steele was an eye catcher as the group danced to the music, “God Is Good.” David Miller’s Combo provided the music.
WUCA club members Connie Steele and her daughter-in-law Taisha Steele served as Co-Chair Ladies for the show.
The climax of the evening was the awarding of monetary gifts (proceeds raised from the fashion show) by WUCA founder Carolyn Patterson. Jerel Rhodes a guidance counselor for Roanoke City Public Schools accepted the award for The Renaissance Academy, which strives to provide positive role models and mentors for young men. Rhodes stated the award would provide the means for the young men to attend this year’s spring college tour.
Donna Davis, administrative assistant for Apple Ridge Farms accepted funds to send campers to summer camp. Sharon Hicks, principal of Hurt Park School accepted funds to purchase Boy Scout Shirts for the scouts in the program at the school and Brenda Hale accepted funds for NAACP ACTSO to help with summer travel expenses to youth competition.
“It is one thing to be an organization with a stated purpose,” Rhodes stated, but to actually execute that mission with a vision to help our youth takes ACTION!”
