A sold-out crowd of 120 bargain-hunting fashionistas had the opportunity to shop with their hearts at Guadalupe Resale Shop’s annual Runway for Education Fashion Show & Private Sale.

The March 10 event featured 13 volunteer models walking the runway in designer fashions pulled directly from the Resale Shop’s showroom floor. The elegant women modeled beautiful cocktail and party dresses, business attire, formal wear, casual wear and athletic apparel, complementing their outfits with exquisite handbags, jewelry, hats and shoes.

Designer brands featured at Runway for Education included Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Emilio Pucci, Calvin Klein and more. A full-length, white fox fur coat from L.A. Rockler drew the most oohs and aahs from attendees. A silent auction featured Bulova and Swarovski watches, along with a selection of sparkling necklaces, bracelets, handbags and gift baskets.

“First-time visitors are often surprised at the quality of merchandise we offer, including designer dresses and handbags with the original tags still attached,” said Greethel Leon, Guadalupe Resale Shop manager and Fashion Show coordinator. “The best way to describe our clothing selection is ‘affordable elegance,’ and our Fashion Show put that front and center.”

Every item worn on the runway was available for purchase after the show during an exclusive shopping event. Guests also enjoyed light bites, wine and sweet treats.

Proceeds from the Fashion Show enhance education programs at the nonprofit Guadalupe Center in Immokalee. Each year, the Resale Shop generates nearly $1 million in sales to benefit students and families whose lives are being transformed through education.

Volunteer models included Amanda Elias, Anne Schuchman, Barb Wendt, Cheri Mooney, Jodi Petkovich, Karen May, Klytia Silva-Benitez, Lori Paret, Lynda Woods, Marjie Killeen, Rosita Gilsenan, Stacy Smith and Susan Minter. Escorts included Scott Minter, Jorge Orjuela and Clark Ravenel. Bernadette Marrero and Nzinga King served as masters of ceremonies.

About Guadalupe Resale Shop

Guadalupe Resale Shop is an upscale boutique in North Naples that accepts donations of like-new furniture, home décor, kitchenware, artwork, lamps, linens, DVDs and CDs, books and all types of ladies’ and men’s clothing, including accessories such as jewelry, purses and nearly new shoes. The Resale Shop provides a free pick-up service for furniture donations. All proceeds from sales at the Resale Shop directly support educational programs at Guadalupe Center in Immokalee. For more information, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org/Resale-Shop or call 239-594-2696.

About Guadalupe Center

Established in 1984, Guadalupe Center provides high-quality, lifechanging educational programs to more than 1,950 students annually. Recognized nationally as a model for nonprofits serving students from low-income, rural communities, Guadalupe Center is creating a cycle of prosperity through education for students and families in Immokalee. The organization offers three highly successful programs – the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program – that foster personal and academic success leading to economic independence. Platinum-rated by GuideStar, Guadalupe Center is generously supported by private donors, philanthropic organizations and community partners. For more information, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.