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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Beatitudes community center and thrift store was transformed on Wednesday, April 23 into an apparel showcase with mostly Ohio Northern University students as models. Young women and men sashayed, strutted and skipped through a flock of tables wearing outfits found at the thrift store at 210 N. Main St., Ada.

Guests also feasted on a charcuterie board supper, each enjoying an individual, artistically displayed selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and sweets. Vocal performances by Ada High School student Kiya Tabler punctuated the evening. Her first selection was a Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid film score and she closed with the nostalgic La Vie en Rose. The room was also transformed with a lush wall of ferns and flowers.

Emcee Brenda Wilcox–dressed in a long floral gown– introduced each model, the theme of their ensemble and what they like to wear best when not on the runway. Some two dozen outfits were selected and styled using clothing donated to Beatitudes, which ranged from a glamorous jacket of silver sequins to professional suits to party dresses. Hats, gloves and even a cigar were among the accessories that served as finishing touches.

The models were animated and inspired both cheers and applause. Surprise model Art Hershey wore a suit of large plaid in orange on grey, proving that with enough swagger you can carry off any style. 

Beatitudes director Deb Curlis explained that the event was a spontaneous idea that could serve as a pattern for future fundraisers. She also directed guests’ attention to the room’s Wall of Blessings where there is a listing of the businesses, organizations and individuals who have supported the center’s outreach programs in Hardin County. She also thanked the Hardin County United Way for its support of community meals at Beatitudes.

Women

• Spring wear, Chrissy Pasiuk
• Casual wear, Estella Remley and Haven Hall-Vietz
• Business professional, Caylee Born
• Comfy wear, Amelia Burger
• School spirit, Aanika Mishra
• Summer wear, Rylie Shultz
• Sunday best, Avory Mayenschein and Carly Coia
• Date night, Emma Annett and Katy Grainger
• Active wear, Anna Tuell and Megan Klare
• Special occasion wear, Sarah Swagger
• Sleep wear, Riley Hopkins
• Evening wear, Niki Umphress
• Black tie, Carmen Mancuso

Men

• Casual wear, Blaine Castle
• Business professional, Tanner Locke
• Summer wear, Ethan Ragazzo
• Sunday best, Isaiah Mikesell
• Active wear, Aidan Hylton
• Evening wear, Ethan Giannotta
• Surprise outfit, Art Hershey