"Della Donne: A Night of Fashion," a European-style fashion show, will be held tonight at Saint Mary's O'Laughlin Auditorium.
The event will be twice the size it was last year, featuring 17 segments and about 80 models. Proceeds will benefit Memorial Hospital's Spirit of Women services, which educate women about cancers and health issues.
Vikie Mason, owner of Illusions salon, is one of five women involved in starting the event.
"We wanted this to be a night out," Mason said. "This is supposed to be a night for women to go to a feel-good thing and have a sense of empowerment."
This year, organizers hope to raise $20,000 - double the amount raised last year.
"We received so much support last year, we feel this is a goal we will reach," Mason said.
Models will take to the runways to display the latest in fashion, jewelry, makeup and hair from area boutiques and businesses. Participant Boutiques will include Girly Girl, Noelle's and a clothing line designed by Dr. Alissa Shulman. Babiole, a home-based jewelry business, will also be shown.
Mason is one of five local businesswomen involved in creating Della Donne, as well as Kim Poulin, creator of Babiole; Lenore Tracy and Jennifer Cole, co-owners of Glance Optique; and Anne Feferman, senior director at Teacher's Credit Union. The team does all of the choreography and advertising for the show and works with the Saint Mary's Theatre department.
The team feels strongly about applauding women cancer survivors.
"Our goal was to include local businesses, local boutiques and local companies," Mason said. "That local feeling is so important because cancer affects our community and the women in it."
The winner of the Della Donne makeover drawing, Mary Cichowicz, will also be announced at the event. Cichowicz spent the last six weeks receiving her makeover, valued at $2,000. Three Spirit of Women Award winners also will be introduced by WSBT news reporter Debra Daniel.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. for shopping, with wine and hors d'oeuvres served at 6 p.m. Seating will start at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:15 p.m. Following the event, dessert will be served and shopping will continue until 10 p.m. Guests will receive a gift bag including items from participating boutiques and businesses.
Tickets are $45 each and are available at the Saint Mary's box office and will be sold at the door. Seating is limited.
