Fashion forward: Senior center stages benefit show

No mom jeans are in this fashion show – even though many of the models are not only moms and dads, but grandparents.

The clothes might come straight off the racks at The Thrift Store run by the Post Falls Senior Center, yet they are anything but dull, frumpy and threadbare.

The outfits for the store’s first Fashion Event fundraiser Saturday are fashionable, trendy and quality, pieces that go for top dollar in department stores and boutiques.

“Look at this,” said model Jacki Badami, 74, holding up a spectacular sequined and beaded shirt with vivid colors. “This is Oleg Cassini. It’s stunning.”

Then the thrift-store junkie, recruited to the catwalk because of her fashionista status and frequent visits to the store, points out a Coach silk scarf and a vintage red dress. She’s giddy showing off the clothes handpicked for her seven appearances: up-to-date fashions, coats, wedding, vintage, animal print, bling (the perfect home for the Cassini top) and black.

The money raised from the $15 tickets, silent auction with more than 65 items – many repurposed from the store including a full bedroom set – and clothes sales goes to support the senior center’s Meals on Wheels and education programs. All the money stays in Post Falls.

Badami picks up a luscious faux fur coat that matches her gray hair that’s cut in a sassy, short style. The gals in the store joke that she’s a gray fox.

“I’ve been called that before,” she said with a sly smile. “I have a foxy little husband too but I can’t talk him into (modeling).”

The show does include men’s fashions and models.

It’s obvious that the group is enjoying the fashion show project, the brainchild of Julee Kendall, who manages The Thrift Store. Kendall brought the idea with her from Helena, where she put on five fashion shows for the thrift shop she managed. The event was so large it was held at the fairgrounds. Kendall said the idea is far from new, having been a popular fundraiser for decades.

“We’re just taking it to a new level,” she said. “This ain’t your grandma’s fashion show.”

Kendall, her staff and volunteers have been working on the show since January. Besides gathering clothes, the team has spent hours sanding, painting and creating items for the silent auction.

Marilyn Desjarlais, who works three days a week at the store and volunteers many other hours, turned her barn into a workshop. Desjarlais’ phone is full of before-and-after pictures of their creations – all for sale at the show. A baby crib turned into a bench, carousel horses, coffee tables, bookshelves, art hangings.

Lynne Stratton has helped with the refurbishing. These women have talent for turning junk – stools missing legs and broken-up bookshelves – into “shabby chic” treasures that will likely sell for good prices. They are proud self-described Dumpster divers, as is Kendall.

The goal is to refurbish anything that might add value to the show and raise money.

Each year the senior center delivers about 8,000 meals to seniors and others who need a hot, nutritious meal. People qualifying for the program can receive seven meals a week. Nobody in need is denied.

The center also feeds about another 8,000 people who come to the senior center for lunch three days a week.

“We are here to ensure no senior goes hungry,” said Alison McArthur, the center’s executive director.

The program receives state and federal money and grants, but those don’t cover the costs, especially as grocery prices increase. It also gets donations and business sponsors.

McArthur said this is the first year the program has broken even, but that might not last long as winter approaches and more people are in need of food.

That’s why the center is excited about the fundraising potential of the fashion show.

Besides money for the food program, it also is in need of volunteer drivers.

“We are so desperate right now,” she said.