Seniors Walk Red Carpet for Charity

Under the beam of glowing palm trees and heart decorations that dangled from the ceiling, a crowd of Fountain Valley seniors gathered Monday for the Fit and Fabulous Fashion Show.

More than 200 people watched and applauded as the models, in flowing skirts and trendy wide-leg pants, strutted down the red carpet with radiant smiles. They wore easy-care garments made of poly-spandex and cotton, and all were introduced as grandmothers or great-grandmothers. The models included proud moms, volunteers and retired teachers.

The one thing they all had in common was that they were local seniors, coming together for a fun-filled event at the Village Senior and Community Center, a city-run facility in Fountain Valley. 

The fashion show was brought back this year after the success of last year’s event. Five local senior living communities and medical centers sponsored the program; proceeds from the ticket sales went to senior meal programs in Fountain Valley.

The fashion show featured eight local seniors who modeled comfortable and trendy clothes for women over age 55. The models walked the red carpet, posing for photographs and for a delighted audience. The show concluded with a raffle drawing, light refreshments and live jazz from saxophonist Ricky Sims. The event also featured booths from various vendors, including Mary Kay and Draper’s and Damon’s, which provided the outfits for the models. Kim Constantine, the makeup artist for the models and the consultant available from Mary Kay, had a great time at the event. "I enjoyed it even more than last year," Constantine said.

Nora Webb, a community services supervisor with the city of Fountain Valley, said: “This event provides fun for the seniors and allows for them to come together around Valentine's Day, to have refreshments and see beautiful clothes. It is fun for them to get out and get dressed up.”