A “Timeless” show tailor-made for success: Models catwalk for a cause (PHOTOS)

From the moment you walked into the very Grand Ballroom of the fabulous Sandestin Hilton Resort, you had a heightened sense of expectation that a special evening was about to begin.

The event brochure depicted timeless travel. The donated silent auction gifts stretched the entire width of the ballroom in row after row. The dance floor for the guests beckoned, but not until the main event unfolded on the runway.

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For more photos from the event, click here.

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As you recall in my articles leading up to the show, this spectacular event was produced for the benefit of Children in Crisis — the Destin Woman's Club's charitable passion for the past two years.

Historically, this event has had a luncheon format; however, Peggy Herbig, Lynn Lake and the Woman's Board voted to change it to an amazing evening of entertainment for a great cause. The club, a not-for-profit group, has always depended on the great generosity of their sponsors to help support the event, with the platinum category being the highest.

Dr. Dennis Lichorwic of Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has been a Platinum Sponsor for several years. I am also proud to report that he has been joined at the Platinum level by “The Mecca Group,” comprised of Dr. Herbert Salisbury of Panama City, Peter Bennett, Linda Bennett and Charles Mancuso.

Equally grateful for their contributions at the Bronze level were Trustmark Bank and Dr. Rick Sheldon of Sheldon Chiropractic Center. All net proceeds from the sponsors and silent auction benefit CIC, while heartfelt thanks go out to so many for their efforts on all levels.

The guests were seated, the music began, the lights dimmed, and Destin's own celebrity model made her entrance center stage. Beautiful Rachel Prescott, one of my own model discoveries, opened the show choreographed by director Peter Bennett and musically styled by Charles Mancuso, son of the lovely chairwoman, Lynn Lake.

Twenty-three beautiful and handsome models were provided by Bennett Model Management and complimented by two lovely DWC members, Sherry Sheldon and Linda Morton; and special guest models, Callie McClanahan and Dave McClanahan, daughter and husband of the gracious DWC president Sandi McClanahan.

The models, the music and the fashions were indeed wonderful. Who would know that behind the curtains in the dressing room was a bevy of professional hairstylists from La Renaissance, Jim Cooper and Suzanne Shirley; Jennifer Perlewhit and Alexa Sparks from Avantgarde; and David Morgan, Jessica Hicks, Misty Mickelson and Jessica Gallent from David Morgan Salon.

Creative make-up artists Diane Bussey, Tricia Roberts and Stephanie Willbanks made the beautiful models even more glamorous. Kudos, kudos, kudos to all of the dressers who got them in and out of their wardrobes so quickly. No one can imagine how the madness behind the curtain can produce such creative beauty and grace in front of it. Thank you to all of these models, artists and assistants who performed their tasks as a donation to the cause.  

Endless thanks go out to the stores that provided the clothing for the show. Contributing to the “fashion” of the event were: CAbi, Carol Anderson by Invitation; Coldwater Creek and Victoria’s Secret at Grand Boulevard; Dress for Success in Crestview; Chico’s, JoS. A. Bank, and Michael Stars of Destin Commons; Saks Off Fifth Avenue at Silver Sands; and Kiki Risa, The Boutique at Spa 98, and Today's Fashions in Destin.
Without their generosity, the event would not have been possible.

Overall, the fashions were form fitting and contained lots of denim. Yes, as seen on the catwalks of New York for the spring collections, so too here in Destin. Flowing chiffon … always flattering, orange got a big play in color, and for all of you girls out there, male model Austin Mulrain with his long, curly blonde hair wowed the audience in his bright red jacket.

The audience went wild and spectators called out the names of the models — a first at this fashion event. And you will just have to ask anyone who saw the show, how fabulous the ending was featuring the Victoria's Secret Pink line ensemble! There were so many supportive family members of the models that it was hard to contain the excitement. As for me, I sat next to the runway and had a hard time restraining myself.

My proudest moment was at the end of the show. Walking down the runway with Rachel Prescott and Peter, and presenting her with a bouquet of red roses. Prouder still were her parents, Mabel and Jeff Prescott. They could hardly hold back the emotions. After the show, everyone got to blow off some “steam” dancing to the music of Déja Vu. Yours truly danced with everyone, including the models and my dashing husband.

It was a great night and victorious for the Destin Woman's Club, and all of the members who worked tirelessly on their respective committees. A deep sense of satisfaction for a worthy cause.

Linda Bennett can be reached at modelscoutbennett@cox.net.