Style show and purse auction to benefit Salvation Army

Fundraising has never looked so fashionable. The Shreveport-Bossier Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will hold its annual fundraiser gala “Show Time” Style Show and Purse Auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 21 at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport.

The Women’s Auxiliary supports the total mission of the Salvation Army in Shreveport and Bossier City. Funds raised through events such as the Style Show contribute support to ongoing services like its Merkle Center of Hope, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, veterans’ services and a multitude of other activities for “doing the most good.”

Sarah Price, president of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, is excited. “I’m really looking forward to the excitement of a new fundraiser being held at one of our favorite local venues!” Price said. “We’re good stewards of the money we raise. Dollar for dollar, the proceeds from the Style Show will meet the specific needs of our local Salvation Army. In the past, the Auxiliary has purchased an oven for the kitchen, new sinks for the women’s shelter and paid for repairs on the Salvation Army van. Each year the needs met are different.”

Robin Merkle, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary 2019 Style Show chairperson, is also looking forward to the event. “I’m looking forward most to raising funds for the many worthwhile projects of our Salvation Army, such as the Merkle Homeless Shelter, Boys’ and Girls’ Club, veterans’ programs, senior citizen programs, and feeding and clothing local homeless clients,” Merkle said.

Tickets cost $50 each, or $400 for a table of eight, and allow entry into the event, along with a delicious lunch complete with coffee and dessert, the chance to win a brand-new Louis Vuitton handbag, photo ops, shopping access and entries into a “guess the number of handbags” game.

“This isn’t your run-of-the-mill style show.” Price said. “The clothing and models will be provided by De Rigueur, a delightful, sophisticated boutique located in Kilgore. Guests can expect some great Broadway show tunes, door prizes and a silent auction that includes new designer handbags.”

“Guests will be immersed in a fall fashion explosion of style, vibrant color and silhouettes that are uniquely fashionforward and ‘on trend’ but are not ‘trendy,’” Merkle said.

The featured ensembles procured by Mr. Still Collum, proprietor of De Rigueur of Kilgore, Texas, will include daytime, office wear and after-five apparel. “Fashions will be accessorized with baubles and glitz from Lockhart Fine Jewelers, and the beautiful fashions will be modeled by gorgeous gals selected by De Rigueur,” Merkle said.

“One lucky style show attendee will win the grand prize giveaway of a fabulous, brand-new Louis Vuitton handbag! Multiple drawings throughout the event will be held to award a number of other door prizes, unique items that our volunteers have procured from local businesses,” Merkle said. “Our guests will love bidding on great silent auction handbag deals from an array of famous designers including MK, Brahmin, Tory Burch, Coach and DKNY.”

“The East Ridge ballroom will be transformed into a Broadway theatre-type setting to show off the latest styles in women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry, not to mention a multitude of upscale handbags to bid upon in the silent auction,” Merkel said. “We’ll also share lots of Salvation Army interesting facts and tidbits via the canteen truck and local volunteers.”

“The local Salvation Army provides so many services to the Shreveport-Bossier Community. Veterans, the elderly, women, children, the homeless – the Salvation Army helps vast numbers of people across the spectrum of those in need,” Price said. “The administrative costs of the Salvation Army are only 16 cents of the dollar, so there is no highly paid CEO. They abide by their slogan of ‘doing the most good.’ Either by ‘doing the most good’ with the resources they have, or ‘doing the most good’ by helping so many different people, the Salvation Army is a huge asset to our community.”

Underwriters and special supporters of the gala include Wray Ford and Bridges to Beauty. For tickets, visit Https://showtimestyleshow2019.eventbrite.com.