By Debbie Cohen
According to Carol Verdi, the club president, the proceeds will go to children's education supplies for the Guyana and HeartShare First Step programs, as well as the Hindu Senior Center.Three sponsors participated by providing the models' casual wear, evening gowns, business attire and children's clothes. Mondo Di Bimbi on Crossbay Boulevard in Howard Beach provided the children's clothes. Christine's Original, also in Howard Beach, and Dress Barn on Union Turnpike provided evening and casual wear for the female models.Two of the cutest models were 6-year-old Sydney and 8-year-old Amir, who wore gowns, suits and casual attire. These children modeled as if pros. As they stopped and twirled around on the runway, it seemed modeling came more natural to them than the others.Rosemarie Frisone, the club's co-chair, participated by modeling fashions and had a lot of fun on the runway. She modeled both casual and dressy attire. Next year, she might try it again.”It was a surprise to me and everyone in the Kiwanis Club that I was modeling,” said Frisone. “I am glad we are raising money to help children in the community.”A senior named Virginia, representing the community's seniors, modeled pant suits and a floral dress. Her pace was slow and steady, but once she started warming up, the catwalk came naturally to her.Other models included middle-aged women and two teen girls. Some of the evening gowns featured included a yellow silk gown, a black gown with lace and a chocolate gown. Sponsors also offered 20-percent-to-40-percent-off coupons to everyone who attended the fashion show.Mickey Alvino, the club's co-chair, said everyone had fun and hopes to continue making this an annual event.Frisone said last year over $2,500 was raised to help children in the community. She hopes it'll be more this year.”The proceeds are not calculated as of now, but we are hoping for as much as last year or more,” Alvino said. “Making a difference in the community is what matters.”
