HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — The city is gearing up for its biannual Men’s & Women’s Fashion Show and Tea, during which local notables will serve as models for the latest attire from J. Crew, of Pinecrest.
This is the third such fashion show with the last, held in 2022, featuring local Hillcrest area office holders doing the modeling. In past years, the event was held as a fundraiser for the Highland Heights Seniors organization.
This year, organizer and Highland Heights City Council President Ann D’Amico said, there are changes, as proceeds will benefit the city’s parks and recreation department.
“Also, we had mostly elected officials last time, but this year we’re calling it ‘Friends and Families,’” D’Amico said. “I wanted to go a slightly different way. I have models into their 80s, a lot of different people.”
Those modeling clothing will Highland Heights Mayor Chuck Brunello, Jr., and his father and daughter, along with Lyndhurst Municipal Court Judge Dominic Coletta and his daughter, Highland Heights Councilwoman Carol Ganser and Councilman Anthony DeLisio, Jolene Greve from the Mayfield School Board, and a host of others.
In all, there will be 10 female and eight male models.
The entire Hillcrest community, not only those from Highland Heights, are welcome at the event, which takes place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Highland Heights Community Center, 5827 Highland Road. D’Amico said she was sure to schedule the event for a Sunday in which the Cleveland Browns are not playing.
Registration is required. Registration must be made by Nov. 5 at highlandhts.com. The cost is $50 per person, and $25 for children 12 and younger.
Tea will be served by Quintealia’s Tea Room, of Burton.
“Our celebrity host is Ed ‘Flash’ Ferenc (known for his radio work at WMMS), who is on the Make-a-Wish Committee for the Make-a-Wish House,” D’Amico said. ”The Make-a-Wish House is being built this year in Highland Heights.”
The 2,500-square-foot, ranch-style home, valued at $799,000, is being built at 217 Grappa Farms. Tickets for this year’s Make-a-Wish House raffle are now available at HBAHomeForTheHolidays.org. Tickets will also be sold at the fashion show.
The winner will be announced Dec. 31.
The event will include a 50-50 raffle, flower bar favors and numerous vendors.
“It’s been a great year,” D’Amico said. “Chuck (Brunello) and I did a letter to a lot of the local businesses asking them to take ads in our program, and we’re really amazed at the support we’re getting.
“Home Depot said that they wanted to donate something, so they donated a $250 leaf blower and rake combination for a prize. We’ll have auctions and things. It’ll be a really nice event. There’s a real sense of community at this event.”
“The fashions are coming from J. Crew at Pinecrest, and they’re wonderful, just wonderful. I’m giving them people (models) of all ages and sizes, and they’re doing a great job.
In 2022, the event drew 171 people to the community center.
“It’s open to everybody that wants to come,” D’Amico said. “I have people coming from all over. Summit County, Geauga County, Lake County — from all over.”
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