Seniors raise fun and funds with fashion show

Posted August 10, 2012

The models of the RSVP fashion show pose for a photo following their show at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Thursday. Photo by Travis Williams/The Burgs

CHRISTIANSBURG — Fashion model capitals such as New York City and Paris may have been a little bitter Thursday as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County and Radford gave them a run for their money.

Well, okay. It was more of a walk, however it was for money, which the group uses each year to fund two scholarships for local high school students.

The third-annual RSVP Food, Fun, and Fashion kicked off around 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Christiansburg with a lunch followed by 32 models displaying 36 different outfits on the catwalk.

Unlike their professional counterparts, the RSVP models, who ranged from 5 to 86 years old, were also tasked with playing the role of fashion designer for the show.

According to show coordinator Shirley Peterson each model was given a list of area thrift shops at which they were allowed hunt for their outfits. Peterson said this gives the models freedom and also allows them to partake in what she calls “the thrill of the find,” when it comes to searching second-hand stores.

First time model Jim Webster took full advantage of that freedom, donning a tropical shirt, shorts and straw hat in a theme he referred to as “comfort and party.”

Webster’s only complaint was that his prop umbrella drink contain no real liquid.

Like Webster, Erine Nichols decided on a somewhat non-traditional attire as well, as she sported a 1920′s style striped bathing suit.

Nichols said her idea was to just tell people she was senile and thought she was really at the aquatic center. Though she was fully aware there was no pool in sight, that didn’t stop Nichols from inviting one media member present, and who shale remain nameless, to go swimming.

Though their outfits varied, each model seemed to have an equal amount of fun during the show, which is exactly what model Phil Saunders told his wife Anna he hoped it would be.

“I told her as much as it costs to do all this [the show], if it’s not fun, don’t do it,” Saunders said.

Truth be told, the set up for the show, the meal, and the clothing most likely cost a large sum, but Peterson said everything is donated, allowing the money from each of the $10 tickets from the close 150 attendees to go directly to the scholarship funds.

“This is all gravy, it doesn’t cost us a penny,” Peterson said.

That frugal sense is also something Peterson hopes catches on with those watching the show as they showcase clothing, most of which can be purchased for under $10.

“You don’t have to spend a bundle of money to look good, or smart, or fashionable,” Peterson said.

By Travis Williams
The Roanoke Times | 381-1643