VintageNOW fashion show has record-setting year

Helping others can be both nostalgic and fun. On Oct. 22, the VintageNOW fashion show charity event personified each of those qualities. As a fundraiser for the Safe House for Women, the Osage Centre was transformed into a 1940s USO hangar, and participants played a part in bringing the past into the present to build a new shelter for women in the near future.

Sailors, GIs, several Rosie the Riveters, a bomber hanging from the ceiling and a jeep sitting on the floor set the stage for the event that was expected to surpass last year's $60,000 fundraiser total, according to Safe House executive director Jessica Hill. Aaron Picar, a Safe House for Women educator, said the "more than 700 chairs" they had to put out demonstrated that this was "bigger than last year's" turnout, and reportedly, the evening brought in a record $80,000. Furthermore, Picar told the Southeast Missourian's Tyler Graef that the "show represents the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization."

Event organizers pulled out all the stops as they look forward to building a much-needed shelter. They want to help as many women as possible, but currently, space is an issue. "We have 22 beds and one bathroom," Picar said, putting it in perspective.

So they reached back in time and brought the original Rosie the Riveter to the Osage Centre. Now in her mid-90s, Naomi Parker Fraley, appeared on the big screen and gave a special video message. Another blast from the past was an announcement of the surrender of the Axis powers and of Europe's flag of freedom flying.

Many hands and hearts go into this fundraiser that provides for the care of women who need it most. It's wonderful that the community gets involved as they do -- everyone working hard to prepare and then enjoy the evening. As Graef described, "The show included a tapdance appetizer, a dance number performed by dancers from On Cue Studio and, of course, the fashion stylings of the models, aka 'liberty belles.'"

It's exciting to see the community invested in its success. Indeed, events like this model creative, enjoyable ways to help others, but perhaps even more importantly, they remind us that people are still willing to do so. Said Hill, "We can't put on this event without the community. We're honored to both serve and be served by the community."