Fashion Spotlight

Helping women dress for success

L.I. Center for Business and Professional Women hosts fashion show

Posted

To celebrate its 40-year anniversary, and to help fellow women look their best selves in the workplace, the Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women hosted a highly successful “40 and Fabulous” fashion show last Tuesday night at the Fox Hollow in Woodbury.

More than a hundred members and supporters came out to watch the ladies rock the runway in the season’s latest styles. The LI Center collected clothing for those seeking or who have secured employment, but who cannot afford appropriate business attire. Dress Barn, Nic and Zoe and Alta Moda supplied the fashions that were modeled for the evening, and all of the models were members of the LI Center.

“It was fantastic!” said Mary Hauptman, a Muttontown resident and the president of the LI Center, which is headquartered in Melville. “I got such positive feedback from the women — some members, some non-members. Thank you to everyone who made this happen. We hope to do it again next year.”

Their goal for the evening of collecting 40 outfits was surpassed, with almost a hundred donated — and more were being delivered at press time.

The outfits will go to Dress to Impress, located in Eisenhower Park, a not-for-profit social service organization that helps women who are reentering the work force and may not be able to afford appropriate business attire. It is a Nassau County initiative.

“We are very thankful and grateful to everyone who attended and donated,” said Merrick resident Jane Rubenstein, a co-coordinator of the event who was named an Achiever by the center in 2015, and has been on their board of directors since last year. Rubenstein is also a former queen with in the Ms. New York Senior America organization, who had a strong showing at the fashion event. Her co-chairwoman was Laura Doukas.

During the champagne-and-strawberry cocktail hour, attendees browsed vendors’ showcases, displaying fashionable ensembles and jewelry and sports memorabilia. The evening featured a full dinner, music by D.J. Pace, dancing and raffles. The funds raised through the raffles will go to scholarships that are awarded by the organization to deserving high school seniors.

For more membership and workshops information, visit licenter.org.