2024 UPWC Annual Fashion Show

March 20, 2024 – Sarasota

On February 8, 2024, the University Park Women’s Club (UPWC) held its annual Fashion Show titled, “Fashion Is… Simply Irresistible!” at the Westin in downtown Sarasota, co-chaired by Fifi Abdian and Kristy Schubert (pictured). A record 300 attendees were whisked into elevators and up to the show floor by dashing male escorts, had pics taken at a photo booth, and then sipped and shopped at several pop-up shops represented by local shops and service providers. They also participated in a “chance auction” that featured products and services donated by local businesses and UPWC members. Attendees were then entertained by a lip sync rendition of Robert Palmer’s hit song, “Simply Irresistible,” with backup from UPWC member dancers and then a fashion show with male and female models strutting down the runway in clothes from Evelyn & Arthur, Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel, and Beautiful You. Emcees Aliki Gable (Manager, Evelyn & Arthur) and Norris Thomas (professional speaker and emcee, former pro football player) kept the program moving and shaking, through to the melodious saxophone music provided by local music pro, Eirinn Abu.

The show was the Women’s Club’s primary fund raiser this year, supporting The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and the Police Care/Publix Gift Card Program (both described below). More than $10,000 was raised in support of the club’s Outreach partners, exceeding expectations. Funds were raised via Chance Auction ticket sales, as well as by all pop-up shop vendors generously donating a percentage of their revenues to the cause. The Chance Auction was made possible by generous donations of products and services by 38 local businesses and 15 UPWC members.

WRC, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, provides critical services for women in Sarasota, Mantee and Venice counties for the last 40 years, that assist in enhancing and sustaining health and stability for individuals and their families. The Police Care/Publix Card Program, a UPWC program providing $25 gift cards from Publix Corporate to Bradenton Police Officers for their distribution to individuals they encounter in their service who have immediate needs.