Fashion show returns
ADAMS TWP — For a dozen years, a day of fun and fashion has provided presents to the residents of St. John Specialty Care and RoseCrest Assisted Living.
Pam Hayward, director of activities and volunteer services at Lutheran SeniorLife’s St. John campus off of Route 228, said the 12th St. John Community Fashion Show will begin at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Treesdale Golf and Country Club.
She said the event raises more than $12,000, which is used to buy a present for each patient at St. John Specialty Care and RoseCrest Assisted Living.
She said many residents have outlived their family members or have family far away, which can make the Christmas season difficult.
“It truly brightens their holiday,” Hayward said. “They’re just so happy and thankful for everything.”
Hayward said as the holiday season approaches, residents list three wishes or sometimes the nursing staff tells Hayward what gift would be best for them. Sometimes the gift is as simple as a bag of candy, she said.
“It benefits our residents and makes their Christmas special,” Hayward said of the task of shopping for 200 people.
Individual Christmas parties are held in each of the campus’ seven units.
The benefit fashion show, Hayward said will include an upscale luncheon; 40 themed auction baskets; a handful of silent auction items including dinner for four prepared by the executive chef at St. John, golf passes at Treesdale Golf and Country Club, a jewelry set, and a fashion show presented by Christopher & Banks.
The basket and silent auction items are donated by the various departments at St. John and RoseCrest, individual employees, residents’ family members, and businesses.
Hayward said the models for the show are Lutheran SeniorLife employees and residents at the St. John campus.
“We try to get people from our corporate office and our different facilities,” Hayward said, “and we always try to get at least one resident to serve as a model.”
In addition to the Christmas presents, the fashion show benefits the campus’ activity fund, which provides musical and other entertainment, day trips, and activities for residents, Hayward said.
Seating for 140 to 150 people is available at the fashion show, and Hayward said the event always sells out. More information or reservations are available by calling 724-625-4895.
