Noah’s Ark staff prepares for annual fashion show
Sanibel and Captiva may not have the runways in Paris, New York or Italy. But the islands possess there own bit of fashion stardom at the St. Michael’s All Angels Church Noah’s Ark Thrift Store – in the form of a fashion show.
Noah’s Ark staff are preparing for its annual fashion show on Feb. 9. Models will be wearing apparel from the thrift shop, according to staff. The show is free and will be held along with a luncheon at the church at 12:30 p.m. It is a ticketed event. People can get tickets for the fashion show at Noah’s Ark Thrift Store on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. Because of the demand tickets are limited to one per customer.
The show is a thank you to the community for its ongoing support of the thrift shop.
Proceeds from sales at the store go towards helping local charities, according to staff.
The show which has been drawing crowds for 23 years started as a need to fill time.
Milena Eskew who is the annual Master of Ceremonies for the fashion show said the event started as a last minute solution to filling the void of an absent speaker. When she noted there was not going to be a speaker. Eskew told everyone to grab two outfits from the thrift shop and get ready for a fashion show.
The show nearly a quarter of a century later draws crowds parallel to swanky fashion soirees in chic locales.
“Who ever dreamed this thing would go this far,” said Eskew. “It was just a spur of the moment thing.”
Some customers come to the fashion show wearing outfits all bought from Noah’s Ark. Noah’s Ark staff request that if anyone attending the show this years has clothing bought from the shop to wear it.
Sue Scutakes, a volunteer at Noah’s Ark, said models will be wearing everyday clothing to more glamorous evening wear during the fashion show.
The store serves not only as a place to grab deals and bargains but also as a meeting place to gab and socialize.
“It’s the general store,” Scutakes said with a chuckle.
About 80 volunteers help run Noah’s Ark. Noah’s Ark is located to the rear of the church at 2304 Periwinkle Way. Ample free parking is available on the church property. For more information about the store, call 472-3356.