Fashion show aims to fund scholarships for women

"Something magical ... Something mystical ... Something enchanted!" is the name of the fashion show and luncheon that will be presented by Dillard's as a fundraiser for the Calusa Business and Professional Women's scholarship program. And in the eyes of Joanne Grassi, president of Calusa BPW, this Sept. 11 show also could be called "something real."

"We have clothes of all different sizes, a nice variety," said Grassi, a resident of the Summertree neighborhood in Hudson. "Not everyone is a size 1."

Last year's Calusa Business and Professional Women's fashion show raised $2,000 for the club's scholarship program, which benefits qualified women in this area. BPW/Calusa members model for this show, which will feature professional, casual and dressy clothes courtesy of Dillard's at Gulf View Square mall. Male models have been added to this year's show, which will begin at 10 a.m. at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey, and feature an appearance by emcee Melanie Snow of Bay News 9.

"Each Dillard's store does its own events for community outreach. We want to help the community," said Sean McHugh, senior manager at Dillard's. "We also want to show people current fashion trends, what's hot."

The event also will feature a luncheon, as well an "Everything Auction" with a Chinese auction, a live auction and a silent auction.

"We keep everything in the community, featuring auction items from local restaurants and businesses," Grassi said. "We have fragrant baskets, golf packages, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, Mary Kay cosmetics, and days out on a boat."

"In these challenging economic times, this is a creative way to help raise money," club member Alice Delgardo said.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, according to Grassi, will go to scholarships for deserving Pasco women. The Calusa/BPW's scholarship program, according to a news release, "raises monies for their local scholarship program to help local women returning to school to better their lives and that of their families."

"Students have to have a 3.5 grade point average and help out in the community to be eligible," Grassi said. "Last year's recipients went into nursing and teaching."

The scholarship program is part of the Calusa Business and Professional Women's ongoing efforts to serve women and the community.

"We've given to Volunteer Way, Healthy Start, Youth and Family Alternatives," Grassi said.

The group also gives out valuable information; at its October meeting, Calusa Business and Professional Women will welcome a Community Hospital representative who will discuss breast cancer awareness. In addition, BPW/Calusa offers networking opportunities in the form of organizational exchanges, luncheons and social events. BPW/Calusa also organizes activities such as nonperishable food drives, diaper and baby clothing campaigns and more "to help agencies meet the demand for services in this challenging economy."

All of these activities are designed to fulfill the goals and intentions of the group's parent organization, The National Foundation of Business and Professional Women's Club Inc., which has been in existence since 1919.

"Our objectives are to elevate the standards for women in business and professions," reads the group's national website, www.bpwcalusa.com/aboutus.html. "To promote the interests of business and professional women, to bring about a spirit of cooperation among business and professional women in the U.S., to extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along the lines of industrial, scientific and vocational activities."

"Our mission," the website says, is "to be the leading advocate for working women."

FASHION SHOW

SOME BACKGROUND: "Something magical ... Something mystical ... Something enchanted!" is a Dillard's fashion show fundraiser and luncheon that will benefit the Calusa Business & Professional Women's scholarship program. It will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey. Emcee Melanie Snow, Bay News 9, will oversee a day of fashion, food, drinks, music by a DJ and auctions.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: BPW, according to an organizational website, "is an alliance of men and women, dedicated to improving the professional, personal, economic and educational outlook for the working women."

A LITTLE HISTORY: This marks the fourth year for the fashion show hosted locally by BPW/Calusa, which consists of members who range from bankers to gynecologists, home decorators to title company representatives. The group conducts luncheon meetings, featuring guest speakers, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Friday of the month at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd. in New Port Richey.

GET INVOLVED: Tickets for this event are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door. Tables of eight are $200. Deadline for tickets is Thursday. For information about this event, to purchase tickets or to ask about sponsorships, call Joanne Grassi at (727) 856-9595.