With some 150 plus individuals in attendance, the July 20, Wanda Peery Alston Memorial Fashion Show: Helping Others as You Help Yourself,” lived up to its reputation of being an educational extravaganza. Models impressed the audience with clothing they had purchased from Goodwill, the Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army and The Discovery Stores. The full audience was amazed by the wonderful bargains that models had found in these stores.
Mrs. Sharron Jeffrey, emcee for the event, proudly wore her $5 outfit purchased at the Rescue Mission 460 Thrift Store (a purple Sac Harbor pant suit and a pair of gray square heel shoes) as she presented the models that included her son, Ezekiel, who sported an entire ensemble from the same store (his suit, shirt, tie, and shoes) all purchased for $12.
Robert Simmons was excited about showing off the black tuxedo that he purchased for $12 from Goodwill. Kathleen Beane Claytor wowed the audience in her Sable Russian squirrel fur cape over a brown formal chiffon dress purchased from the Discovery Store. Her granddaughter, Shaleah Guerrero Haskins, dazzled the audience in a black satin semi-formal party dress purchased at the Salvation Army.
The huge success of the show was due to the sponsors, patrons, models, Pilgrim Life Center Staff, and Sonny Pendleton of LaCove, For the second year, the collaborative efforts of Bethel AME Outreach Ministry, Sabrina’s Place, and Harrison Museum resulted in the raising of $1500 for each of the three programs cherished by Wanda: Harrison Museum, Sabrina’s Place, and Bethel’s Youth Outreach Programs.
A $1000 check was presented to each at the end of the fashion show with the remaining $500 presented on Sunday, Aug. 25 during the annual Homecoming Service at Bethel AME Church.
