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'Celebration Of Life' Fashion Show Raises $15,000

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Special To Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 19, 2009

SEBRING - The recent Heartland Association of Realtors fashion show raised more than $15,000 for cancer research, according to organizers.

"The fashion show was wonderful," said Jacqueline Davis of Lake Placid. Davis, who has attended each of the past three fashion shows, said that this year's show, "A Celebration of Life", was the best so far.

Held in the new ballroom at the Four Points by Sheraton Sebring, Chateau Elan the new venue allowed 250 people to enjoy the production, which was sold out more than two weeks prior to the event.

A silent auction and raffle were offered as a part of the fundraising effort to benefit cancer research. In return, dozens of door prizes and two grand prizes of jewelry, worth over $2,000 and donated by Highlands Jewelers and Linda Boring, were given to the winners.

Although the program listed the names of 94 people who donated their time and talent toward making this year's show a success, much of the credit was given to creator and producer, Sherrie Lleo Abraham, of RE/MAX Realty Plus. Abraham has background running a modeling agency, as well as an eye for art, color and fashion.

The models are primarily local cancer survivors, with a few real estate professionals mixed in. They practiced nearly four months under Abraham and assistant producer, Dayna Carlton's, guidance.

The models wore fashions by Dress Barn and evening gowns by Dillard's, according to organizers.

The male models wore tuxedos donated by Maxcy's Formal Wear, and they included cancer survivors as well as Realtors who escorted event attendees to their seats.

Gift bags loaded with goodies given by local businesses were found on attractive table tops arranged by Boring and her crew from RE/MAX Realty Plus. A lunch was served during a performance by the Sebring Show Choir. Also, singing were Leslie Conerly Loughlin and 11-year-old Heartland Idol winner Jerrianne Carlton.

Internationally known designer, Pablo Alvarado, and his crew of local makeup and hair stylists kept the models looking good. The models were given an initial revamp and evaluation prior to the event, after which Alvarado provided three different looks throughout the show. Included in his makeover were the men in tuxes as well as the show's producers and crew.

Contact Lisa with the Heartland Association of Realtors at 863-385-6014 to put your name on the list for next year's event if you are interested in volunteering backstage or on stage as a cancer survivor model.

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