Model Citizens
11th Chickadees Fashion Show
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HOUGHTON -- For its 11th Fashion Show Fundraiser, Chickadees in downtown Houghton brought the Vogue runway in Paris to the Bonfire at the Continental Fire Co. Monday evening. The event had more than 100 community members take part in the fun, all in the name of raising money for Copper Country Autism Awareness.
The audience watched Chickadees customers and employees model 48 pieces of clothing in a show that turned heads and inspired those who volunteered. Chickadees Owner Micki Sliva said the event is now a long-standing tradition in the community.
"We've done it enough years that every year the fashion show is coming, people ask, 'oh, what organization are we raising money for this year?’" Sliva said
Copper Country Autism Awareness representative Gail Wagner-Frank spoke before the fashion show. She explained the group's mission and how it aims to make autistic residents and their families feel like a part of the community.
"The fundraising is what allows us to do all these different things, like going to the Houghton County Fair," she said. "It cost us about $70 a person to have them enjoy the fair. That's at no cost to them."
According to Sliva, Chickadees sold around 110 tickets to interested residents at $30 a piece -- all of which went straight to Copper Country Autism Awareness.
Those who watched the show were treated to hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, as well as door prizes containing items from Chickadees. The audience, whether it was their first or fifth fashion show, had plenty to praise.
"This is my first time being at this event and the food is lovely. The people are great and the fashions and wonderful and beautiful," Diane Teddy said. "It's a lot of fun."
"Great atmosphere, a lot of nice prizes," Polly Bolduc said. "I like to see the different fashions for the fall."
It seemed the models enjoyed the evening as much as the audience. "It's my fourth year and it's been fun," model Joann Dulyea said. "The good Lord willing I might do it next year, too."
Another model backstage, Judy Usitalo, said she has been doing this show for seven years.
"I love all the people. I love the energy in the room. I like the venue. I like all the outfits, so it's just a great night," she said. "Dennis and Micki that own Chickadee's every year choose a different local group to give all the money to. They absorb all the cost... I think it's amazing they'll [Autism Awareness] get all the proceeds."