TOOTSIES Hosts The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for a Spring Fashion Show Honoring the 2020 Fashion Show & Luncheon and Auxiliary Members

Drop off your gently loved couture clothing and accessories at TOOTSIES until March 14 by donating them to The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and receive a $25 Gift Certificate

The buzz was all about new spring trends and catching up with friends since the holidays as TOOTSIES hosted The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary members for an in-house fashion show highlighting spring fashions in honor of the Auxiliary’s 2020 Fashion Show & Luncheon Giving In Style happening on Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
          
Auxiliary president Margaret Hancock joined Major Barbara Rich of The Salvation Army North Texas Area Command and Kim Hext, chair of the Fashion Show & Luncheon as everyone shopped the beautiful new fashions.  The scene was set with a delightful buffet of fresh fruits, cinnamon coffee cakes, coffee and refreshments as members gathered in anticipation of the upcoming fashion scoop from TOOTSIES’ own Nerissa von Helpenstill and Dustin Holcomb.
          
Margaret welcomed the crowd and reminded everyone that beginning today, TOOTSIES is accepting donations of gently loved couture and accessories until March 14 at their Preston Center location. In return for donations, TOOTSIES will present a $25 gift certificate to each donor.  She gave heartfelt thanks to Nerissa and Dustin for their continued partnership, not only for their generosity in gifting the certificates, but also in being involved from start to finish with the Fashion Show & Luncheon as they also run the Chic Boutique at the luncheon in May. That’s where luncheon patrons and guests are treated to a first-come first-served shopping experience before enjoying the event’s festivities at the Meyerson.
          
Kim also gave grateful thanks to TOOTSIES for their continued support and partnership and reminded everyone that Fashion Show & Luncheon sponsorships, underwriting and tables are available and to be sure and reserve those spots now. One advantage to committing early-on is an invitation to the exclusive Patron Party hosted in a private home which is given in honor of patrons and underwriters at certain levels.
          
A very special opportunity for Auxiliary members and their guests is the Get-A-Bag Give-A-Bag event on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 featuring a trunk show by the fabulous Lisa Barfield featuring her Barfield Collection, where when someone buys a handbag, she donates a handbag. The event is in a private home.
          
Nerissa and Dustin began the fashion presentation with scoop on spring trends and luncheon looks: Bold graphics, black and white prints, the shirt dress is back – a classic - look for statement sleeves. Suits for day are fun, colorful, skirts and jackets to go together or mix-and-match. Warm weather dressing in spring can be transitioned with a smart leather jacket. Look for ruffle details, flirty, feminine and fun.
          
As the DJ turned up the tunes, the fashion show produced in-house by Jen Hill began featuring auxiliary members and friends Lauren Arthur, Nancy Bierman, Katherine Coker, Janie Condon, Bela Cooley, Christina Cotton, Georgia Davis, Nancy Gopez, Susan Rogers and Betsy Willis.
          
At the Fashion Show & Luncheon, the morning begins with shopping in the Chic Boutique and bidding on silent auction items, some exclusive to this event. Everyone is seated for brief remarks, tributes and a presentation followed by a fabulous runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions and bidding ensues! Then luncheon is served in the elegant surroundings of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Ellen McStay is honorary chair. Carol Seay will receive the Margot Perot Service Award. Media sponsors are WFAA Channel 8, PaperCity, Downtown Business News and My Sweet Charity.
          
Individual tickets for the Fashion Show & Luncheon begin at $300 and have a limited availability. Underwriting begins at $3,000. Learn more by visiting the website at www.bidpal.net/sawadfw call 214-637-8121 or email dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org

About The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary:              The Dallas Women's Auxiliary is the local expression of a world-wide movement that seeks spiritual redemption and social rehabilitation of those it serves.  It functions as a fundraising and volunteer service group, and have many projects and programs that can satisfy an eagerness to volunteer.

All members are volunteers who are passionate and dedicated to serve others. There are many committees that can help you find your passion including mass mail, back to school, angel tree, kettles, Santa sacks or serving victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Feed your passion and volunteer at one of the many activities throughout the year. We focus on children and families when we fill backpacks with school supplies, stuff small gifts  in our Christmas Santa Sacks, or provide a meal to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We support our Veterans and distribute lap blankets to those living in the VA Residential Center. We support sobriety and provide birthday cakes to families celebrating monthly milestones in recovery. We embark on the Spirit of Christmas and volunteer at the NorthPark Angel Tree, help with gift distribution at The Salvation Army Christmas and Disaster Center or ring a bell at an iconic Christmas kettle.  For those who love fashion, you can sort and inventory donated couture clothing and accessories for the annual Fashion Show & Luncheon or volunteer at the Fashion Show After Sale.  All of these projects make a difference while having fun and fellowship with others who value your time and support.

The ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary have a good time, work hard, and believe in the branding of "Doing the Most Good."   dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org  

* Photos by Dana Driensky.