The Fashion Show raises money for Cornerstone VNA

Spring and summer fashion is all about versatile, comfortable tops and dresses in shades of coral and aqua along with bold floral and whimsical prints, nautical-inspired classics and statement accessories this year.

At least that was the impression given at “The Fashion Show” held at the Wentworth by the Sea hotel on Sunday afternoon.

This marked the philanthropical fundraising event’s third year. With past recipients including Howie’s Field of Dreams and the Monarch School of New England, this year the nonprofit Cornerstone VNA was chosen as the beneficiary of the event and accompanying silent auction.

“This year’s event will benefit the many grateful patients who receive hospice and palliative care at Cornerstone VNA,” said Cornerstone Director of Advancement Susan M. Paquette. “This year to better serve our patients coping with a chronic or life-limiting illness we launched a new palliative care program. The proceeds from this event are to help offset the cost of this newly launched and underfunded program.”

The home health care organization strives to provide care to people of all ages regardless of their ability to pay.

short bridesmaid dresses

“Cornerstone is committed to improving the quality of life for any patient at the end of their life,” said Paquette.

The new palliative care program focuses on specialized medical care for individuals with a serious illness. The care is directed at relieving the pain and anxiety of a complex illness for both the patient and their family and is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a disease. It differs from hospice care in that it can begin as soon as a diagnosis is received and can continue while the patient undergoes curative treatment.

With tears in her eyes, The Fashion Show Chair Jeanette Poulin said putting on a fundraising, fashion-inspired event has been something she has always wanted to do.

“It has always been my dream,” she said.

Poulin and a group of philanthropic-minded women founded the event to benefit nonprofit organizations that advocate, support and provide care to those in need through seamlessly blending fashion and philanthropy.

In its first year, The Fashion Show helped Howie’s Field of Dreams achieve their fundraising goal to complete a baseball field for mentally/physically challenged individuals that would also benefit the greater Rochester and Seacoast community. In its second year, the event more than doubled the amount of money it raised, bringing in about $22,000. Poulin hopes it will continue to grow each year.

“It really becomes an event that women look forward to each year,” she said.

With spring finally making an appearance, it couldn’t have been a better day to think about what to wear in the warmer days ahead.

“It’s a beautiful day and a wonderful crowd,” said Ruth Sessler, of Rochester. Sessler attended along with her daughter, Toni Petit, and friends Syb Warren and Dawna Parshley for her second time.

“We love fashion and jewelry and this is a beautiful place,” said Petit.

A five-year employee of Cornerstone, Kathy Sessler brought along her sister to the fashion show.

“I love working there,” she said of Cornerstone. “It’s a great place, warm and professional. It’s wonderful the fact that we were chosen (as the beneficiary). To walk in here and see all of the people is amazing.”

Susan Gaudiello, Vice President of Cornerstone’s Board of Directors, also attended with some friends.

“We’re serving New Hampshire and now Maine too, so it’s a much broader organization than it had been,” she said of Cornerstone and its need for funding. Gaudiello’s good friend Althea Sheaff, of Barrington, said that anyone who “has had a tough time” can appreciate the cause.

A handful of local specialty boutiques and brand representatives were also on hand to sell and showcase their products before the fashion show began.

Reneé Napolitano, of Rawk Jewelry and her new memorial and healing line “The Love Line,” is a jewelry designer by night and by day she works at the VNA. Having been a part of Cornerstone for 22 years, she said she wanted to support the organization. She began making hospice, memorial and cremation-themed jewelry after the loss of her brother Bernie only six months ago.

Anne Parker and Adria Bagshaw, Silpada representatives, said the current trend in jewelry is that of mixing metals. In addition to their selection of sterling silver pieces, they have introduced some brass for summer.

Sue Lemire and Judy Bean, of Daisy Jane’s in York, Maine, have attended the event every year. Lemire said “fun, colored accessories” are in for spring and summer. Their shop sells many nautical-inspired accessories, which remains to be another big hit in the world of fashion.

Before the runway show began, Cornerstone CEO Julie Reynolds encouraged attendees to “bid high and bid often” on the large selection of items in the silent auction.

During the show, models showcased looks from York’s Daisy Jane’s, Durham’s SolSistar, Portsmouth’s Madeline’s Event Central, Pretty Little Things and Brie’s Boutique, Dover’s Threads and Kali Klass, Plaistow’s Gisele’s Closet and Newburyport’s Lizology. There were also models donning “Grey’s Anatomy-style” fitted and flattering scrub pants and tops in a variety of colors from Stacey’s Scrub Hub in North Hampton and Uniform Destination in Kittery.

The Fashion Show was underwritten by Albany International and Frisbee Memorial Hospital. It was made possible by donations and services from more than 100 local businesses and individuals.

convertible bridesmaid dress