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15th annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon ‘Cure on the Runway’

Guests gathered for the 15th annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon "Cure on the Runway" Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Rectrix Aerodrome Center.

The event, which benefits women’s cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center, featured a runway show with Spring 2014 fashions provided by Saks Fifth Avenue.

The airstrip was the perfect setting for the runway show — guests walked the red carpet into the hanger where they were greeted by Chairwoman Christine Sandrib and Honorary Chairwoman Eileen Curd.

Prior to being seated for the luncheon and runway show, guests enjoyed shopping provided by Saks. Stephanie Kantis jewelry and Trish McEvoy cosmetics were among the products available for guests to indulge.

Saks Marketing Manager Christina Sadler organized the runway show, which opened with flight attendants escorting handsome pilot Max Hannum down the runway. The show featured Spring 2014 fashions provided by Saks Fifth Avenue, including the popular below-the-knee skirts and elegant gowns.

SPARCCle on the Runway

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was packed with more than 700 guests Thursday, Feb. 13 for Safe Place and Rape Crisis Centers’ 28th annual fashion show and luncheon “SPARCCLE on the Runway.”

Guests, the majority of whom were women, enjoyed shopping designer labels from the Treasure Chest prior to gathering in the ballroom for the luncheon and fashion show. The checkout line seemed to never end as women shopped before and after the luncheon, raising more than $27,000 in sales alone for SPARCC programs and services.

Fuzión Dance Artists performed contemporary dance (covered in white lights) while the guests took their seats. Co-Chairwoman Diane Muldoon and SPARCC President and CEO Olivia Thomas welcomed the crowd and made announcements.

“It’s always gratifying to see so many people turn out to show their support of SPARCC and the services we provide,” says Thomas. “It’s a great time to share updates on our services, like building a kennel at our shelter and a forensic facility at our outreach center.”

Co-Chairwoman Nancy Wingerter introduced fashion coordinator Dori Zingmond to the stage prior to the fashion show. Zingmond gave an overview and explained the 1960s inspiration of the show came from five vintage dresses she found at the Treasure Chest.

“If you like one of these dresses, and it doesn’t fit, buy it anyways and hang it on your wall — they are that beautiful,” says Zingmond.