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Models Of History

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By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 29, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Those who believe that the customs and values of yesteryear have been lost to pop culture need only attend an upcoming gathering of 150 girls dressed in historical garb to see that many of those traditions thrive.

It's the ninth annual American Girl Fashion Show at Embassy Suites. Sponsored by the Temple Terrace Junior Woman's Club and licensed by American Girl Programs, a division of Mattel, it will feature girls from as far as Ocala dressed in costumes popularized by the company's signature dolls. They represent fictional historical figures from eras such as colonial, frontier, the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II.

According to chairwoman Alison Fernandez, the event is the organization's major fundraiser of the year, one that last year drew close to 1,100 guests and $12,000 in proceeds that benefit children's charities.

This year's beneficiaries will be Everyday Blessings, a Thonotosassa foster home for children and adoption agency, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tampa Unit.

'We used to put out ads to draw the girls to model for us, but the dolls and the event have become so popular that we don't do that anymore,' club President Lynn Werner said. 'Today, we have girls that come from Sarasota, Orlando and as far away as Ocala to participate and even see the show, the only one like it licensed within seven counties.'

Each American Girl doll also has an accompanying book that outlines the trials and tribulations of the time. It contains an implied message that is meant to instill a distinct value in the mind of the reader.

'The books are about feelings, fashions and friendships, but they also teach things like manners and principles for living that are important for all girls to learn,' Werner said.

Model coordinator Susan Obregon refers to the production as an 'event in a box.'

'Everything comes as a package: the script, music and the costumes. When we're finished, we send it all back to American Girl,' said Obregon, whose 13-year-old daughter, Olivia, will narrate one of the shows, and daughter Madeline, 7, will model an outfit.

'I love it because it's something we can do together,' she said. 'I love the fact, too, that our profits all go to children's charities.'

Ten-year-old Madison Teston of Lutz is excited to model the Samantha doll's 1904 Victorian-style dress in front of an audience. She's also glad to be part of a program that teaches values.

'I learned you want to use good manners around people and how to sit properly and how to walk on the runway,' she said.

Land O' Lakes resident Jenna Rinicker, 10, has seen the performance twice, but it will be her first year as a participant. She'll be adorned in a Kit doll outfit, depicting attire from the Great Depression.

'I learned a lot about the Depression. I didn't know they didn't have any money, people lost their jobs and some of the schools shut down,' she said. 'Kit has also taught me not to hide anything from your friends and to always be yourself.'

Emalee Jansen, 9, of Lutz is thrilled to be a first-time participant who will model the Kirsten doll's pioneer outfit, similar to those worn by young girls during the frontier days of the 1850s. But, there's another reason she can't wait for the show to start.

'I really like it because we'll be helping other children,' she said.

For those interested in placing online All American Girl orders, 5 percent of an order's total cost will be donated to the Temple Terrace Junior Woman's Club if users insert key code AA78940. In turn, the money also will benefit the club's two children's charities.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, and checks should be made payable to the Temple Terrace Junior Woman's Club.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: American Girl Fashion Show

WHERE: Embassy Suites, 3705 Spectrum Blvd.

WHEN: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday

HOW MUCH: $32 per person

INFORMATION: Visit ttjuniors.org/fashion_show.html or call (813) 989-9566.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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