Valpo showed off it’s stylish side on Thursday night at Valparaiso Family YMCA’s 3rd Annual 50 Fit & Fabulous Style Show. The event brought together local clothing stores, salons, and YMCA families together to show off what Northwest Indiana has to offer in the fashion department.
50, Fit & Fabulous is an event put on by the YMCA to raise funds for their Annual Community Assistance Campaign. The campaign is fundamental to keeping the program alive - which helps low-income families and the elderly to have access to all of the YMCA’s programs.
The event got its start three years ago when Deb Koeppen, the Valpo Y’s Vice President Chief Development Officer, decided that having a unique fundraiser for the campaign was a must.
“Three years ago, we decided to host an event in order to raise money for our Live Strong program and our annual campaign, this seemed like the perfect solution.” Koeppen explained. Liz Burnham, the YMCA’s Director of Marketing, added to that statement by saying the community’s involvement is one of the greatest factors to the nights success.
“What’s so great about tonight is that it is the YMCA staff, community members, and families coming together for the greater good of Valparaiso - and to have fun. Tonight’s not just for women - it’s for everybody and everyone gets involved.”
Before the lights dimmed for the fashion show attendees were welcomed with an array of vendors, food, a cash bar, and a raffle to keep them busy. Evolution Artisan Confections, The Flower Cart - Valparaiso, Jewelry by Sherri Corns, Kate Collins: Mystery Author, Living Healthier with Essential Oils, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nancy’s Cake Appeal, Opportunity Enterprises - Art Enrichment Department, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Serenity Salon & Spa, Silpada, Tevlyn Schwerd at Bargain Barn, and Visi all joined together to offer a little something different to everyone.
What the biggest difference to the night were some new additions to the show. Angie Paul and Drew Paul were one of the three mother-son groups that were involved in the show - a first for this event. The Pauls immediately volunteered themselves to be a part of the event when the opportunity arose.
“My Mom always mentioned the fashion show, since it’s always been her forte. Since they introduced the mother-son ordeal I asked if she would want to do it.” Drew Paul stated. Angie Paul went on to say that she was unsure if her son would go with the idea, “I asked him like ‘Are you really sure?’ and he said yes. I asked him a couple times to make sure but he agreed with it and here we are today.”
All in all there were 55 models, which included the entire Cobble family, on the runway to showcase seven local stores’ collections. Bargain Barn, Beyond Pink, David’s Men’s Clothier, Extra Mile Fitness, Here Comes the Dress, Seasons on the Square, and Tony’s Saddle Shop dressed up their models in everything from wedding dresses to cowboy hats in order to show off what they have to offer.
After the show opener, featuring dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, many different groups took their time under the technicolored spotlights. All of participants strutted their stuff and had a fabulous time in front of their friends and co-workers.
Tevlyn Schwerd, of Bargain Barn, said that having their products on display on such a colorful night was a great way to be involved in such an event. “We are very excited to take part! It is an honor to be showcased with some of the more established boutiques in the community especially since we are considered to be more of a general merchandise/discount store.” Schwerd explained. “We take pride in carrying unique and boutique style clothing without expensive price tags!” Susan Brychell was the event's creative director.
It was obvious that all of the attendees and participants of the 50 Fit & Fabulous Style Show really did “Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Good.” Bob Wanek, CEO of the Valparaiso Family YMCA, said that the biggest takeaway from the event was the hard working women at the center of it all.
“What I love most about this event that I see all of these women day in a day out and they work incredibly hard so this is a great reward for all that they do. They feel very special by being at the center of this event, they look great - and what is not special about that?” he said.
In the end it seems like there’s no stopping the event from continuing on from years to come. So long as there are passionate women and families at the heart of it all 50 Fit & Fabulous is here to stay.
The Valparaiso Family YMCA would like to thank their donors, vendors, models, salons, stores, table sponsors, 27 Entertainment, Reed’s Nursery, Mark Smith from Fred Astaire Valparaiso, and Methodist Hospitals partnered with BMO Harris Bank which all made the event possible.