Nov 12, 2006

Fashion show lures shoppers, model Volunteers

By Kim Selby

Were they "America's Next Top Model" contestants? Or were they Family Service Agency Hillsborough Auxiliary members? Distinguishing between the two was a tough call, as the lovely ladies of the auxiliary took to the runway in fall's finest fashions on Oct. 26. Bloomingdale's hosted its annual day of giving for local charities on the Peninsula, and Family Service Agency was chosen as one of the recipients.

For the entire day, shoppers received discounts of 15 to 20 percent off all store merchandise. The organizations received a donation from Bloomingdale's and the charity that sold the most tickets to the event received an additional $5,000 donation.

Family Service Agency auxiliary members and friends were treated to a delightful box lunch and professional fashion show featuring their co-volunteers. Laurie Wishard, president of Family Service Agency, and Betsy Pace, president of the Hillsborough Auxiliary, took turns down the catwalk after welcoming attendees and thanking them for their support. Laurie said Bloomingdale's went above and beyond in their support of the agency.

A dozen auxiliary members were treated to makeovers from Bloomingdale's cosmetic counter representatives in preparation for their runway walks. Many of the women were experienced models, having strolled down various runways for other charity fashion shows.

Karen Hook, a regular at the Parca fashion show, was a crowd pleaser with her dynamic personality. Other models who got the audience clapping included board members Jill Flynn and Nancy Forster. Charlotte McFadden opened the show wearing an ivory DKNY top, flattering hunter green jacket and the requisite black skirt for fall.

Flynn looked striking as she emerged to thunderous applause wearing an Ellen Tracy brown velvet jacket and matching pant. Vicky Heron shone in a hot pink DKNY top under a black pantsuit.

Judi Hinkle maintained the grace of a professional model and wore her final outfit with aplomb. A Tadashi, jade pleated top and black chiffon harem pant flowed as she sashayed to the music.

Nancy Kaiser sparkled in a black-beaded Anne Klein chiffon dress, while Cara Dakin wowed the crowd in a teal and black chiffon dress by Laundry. Patti Rueff looked gorgeous in a Tadashi black-satin dress, Carolyn Zwicker sparkled in a chocolate-beaded Anne Klein dress and Kate Brown wore the final outfit of the show, an elegant black velvet rhinestone gown.

Guests who supported the Family Service Agency by shopping till they dropped included Debbie Bocci, Nahid Bolghand, Patti Dillingham, Behnaz Ghafari, Orene Kearn, Aris Markoulis, Renee Ortiz, Nettie Ramsay, Nancy Probst, Alisa Ruiz-Johnson, Gayle Snyder, Sharon Upjohn, Linda Vaughn, Linda Woods, Barbara Wells and Kelly Wilson.
Family Service Agency of San Mateo County is a private nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to aid children, families and seniors in need.

SEQUOIA VOLUNTEER HONORED

Sequoia Hospital recognized Audrey Beeger, a 50-year volunteer, at a luncheon in her honor on Oct. 27.

Audrey Beeger is the first and only volunteer to achieve 50 years of service. She is part of the Beeger family legacy that played a key role in the beginnings of Sequoia, California's first and oldest district hospital. The idea for a hospital in Redwood City originated in 1938, when a group of nine women led by Dove Beeger, Audrey's mother-in-law, made an appeal to the City Council of Redwood City for a community hospital that would serve the residents of southern San Mateo County. Sequoia Hospital became a reality and was officially dedicated on Oct. 15, 1950.

Over the course of her 50 years of volunteering, Audrey Beeger has worked in many service areas throughout the hospital. She began in August of 1956 and continues to volunteer on a regular basis. Currently, Beeger volunteers in the admitting department and with the front information desk, where she greets patients, their families and visitors, and has become a recognizable and friendly face to the community.