Assisted living fashion show proves a big hit

By Matthew Sherman

The Lake Oswego Review, Sep 28, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Matthew Sherman

Wendy Liebreich from Portland Luggage gives a demonstration on how to pack for trips quickly and efficiently at Oswego Place Assisted Living Community last Saturday as part of a fund-raising event for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association.

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It was an exciting day for many residents at Oswego Place Assisted Living Community and members of the general public who visited last Saturday. Nearly 100 women in attendance took part in an afternoon tea and were both entertained and educated while supporting a very worthy cause.

While sitting comfortably in the building’s common room, four previously retired models donned clothes provided by Chico’s at Bridgeport Village for a fashion show.

Emcee Shirley Benz still had a connection with models, who are now all senior citizens, and had been looking for an opportunity to utilize them.

The women took turns putting on a number of different outfits for various occasions and it was difficult to tell who was having a better time, the models or the audience.

“I think the women really loved it. A number of them mentioned to me that it was fun to see some older models who they could relate to,” said Oswego Place’s Nancy Raske.

And even the event organizers got into the action as both Benz and Raske showed off outfits during the afternoon.

“Afterwards, a number of the women kept asking me when I was going to Chico’s to buy the shawl that I wore,” Raske said.

Tickets for the event were $10 with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association. The event was also unofficially dedicated to Oswego Place’s executive chef, Dana Nelson, who has battled both Hodgkin’s Disease and breast cancer for 28 years.

While the models changed outfits, a number of donated door prizes were raffled to lucky winners. Gift baskets and certificates from Chico’s, Portland Luggage, Oswego Place, among others, were given away to those with winning tickets.

Benz also had a number of her watercolor paintings on display that are available for purchase. She specializes in landscapes and portraits, especially those of pets.

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